TAG Aviation Spain says it is the first Spanish operator to obtain approval to fly Required Navigation Performance (RNP1) flight paths. RNP regulatory approval has been awarded to TAG Aviation Spain by the Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency (AESA) which is a requirement for certain flight path destinations out of the country such as to Hong Kong and Singapore.

As part of the application process the operator's flight centre had to ensure all private aircraft using the facility are compliant with RNP operations and that appropriate procedures, documentation and training are in place.

“RNP1 certification enables us to use safer and more efficient flight paths,” says flight ops director Carlos Carasa Martin. “As air traffic management systems in the world evolve there is an increasing dependence on RNP operations as a foundation for improvements in airspace design and management, safety, operational efficiencies, and environmental advancements.

“Many operators have begun to implement changes in their systems and more are expected. These will allow RNP-capable aircraft to derive value from their existing capabilities.”