PBN initiated by EASA and the Directorate General of Air Transportation is a model of extraordinary cooperation between the European Union and Indonesia to increase safety. 
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The European Union (EU) supports Indonesia's efforts to apply an environmentally friendly aviation system through a performance-based navigation (PBN) scheme.

Through cooperation between the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Directorate General of Air Transportation at the Indonesian Transportation Ministry, flights to Bajawa, Larantuka, and Atambua have applied the procedure.

"PBN, initiated by EASA and the Directorate General of Air Transportation, is a model of extraordinary cooperation between the European Union and Indonesia to increase safety," European Union Ambassador to Indonesia Vincent Piket noted in a written statement received on Friday.

PBN that uses satellite and instrument within aircraft to help pilot navigation is currently available at airports in the three cities.

PBN enables aircraft to operate safely from and to an airport in the event of bad weather and geographically difficult area.

Moreover, PBN improves operational efficiency, thereby aiding to reduce flight environmental impact.

On May 18, EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky visited the ATR training center in Singapore to fly the IPBN route using the ATR flight simulator developed with EU's support for the Atambua, Bajawa, and Larantuka airports in East Nusa Tenggara.

"This initiative will be expanded to cover other airports in the Indonesian island chains served by turboprop, double-engine ATR aircraft," Piket explained.

ATR has reportedly made active contributions, including through cooperation with EASA and regional governments to promote the development of PBN.

ATR operator provides important connectivity to the public, particularly in areas having airport with difficult conditions, changes visual approaches to instrumental approaches, helps reduce operational disturbances, and improves safety.

"PBN moves towards safer and green aviation, connects the public, and increases trade and tourism. This also does not need expensive land navigation, so that it saves installation and maintenance costs," Secretary General of the Transportation Ministry Novie Riyanto noted.

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Translator: Yashinta Difa P, Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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