Iran has started to employ RNAV (Area Navigation) for the first time for its domestic and international flights, in order to improve its airspace structure and add to its competitive advantages.
In the first phase of Iran-Shahr Airspace Management, carried out in 2015-16, 7100 kilometers of new routes were established and with the addition of 5200 kilometers of routes this year, greater flight efficiency and safety are achieved.
Some of the measures taken as part of Iran-Shahr Airspace Management’s second phase include establishing 7 international RNAV-1 routes, establishing 12 international and domestic RNAV-5 routes, increasing control center sectors to 13 from previous 7, installing VSAT systems as backups for the control center and automated communication and switching through VSAT systems.
Other steps taken have been OLDI connection between Tehran and Ankara control centers, creating control tower 2D simulator and approach simulator to train air traffic controllers, increased airspace safety through creating one-way and parallel tracks, improving some domestic and international tracks.
These routes provide the means of connecting South-East Asia to North Africa.
In 2016, air transit through Iran’s airspace increased by 10.8 percent. Other areas of growth in 2016 include the number of passengers and take-offs and landings, which increased by 20 and 15 percent respectively.
RNAV helps with reducing flight distances and airspace congestion, resulting in shorter and safer flights with lower fuel consumption. Furthermore, it is a means to achieve higher air traffic and providing better flight planning services to airlines.
HA/PR