A new Airbus subsidiary, QUOVADIS, based in Toulouse, will provide airports, airlines and authorities with ‘required navigation performance’ (RNP) services from July 2009.

The service means aircraft can fly precisely along a predefined route using the state-of-the-art onboard navigation system and global positioning system (GPS).

It is aimed at increasing aircraft performance in low visibility without using too many ground-based landing aids. It is also said to help lower fuel consumption, noise and emissions and also reduce flight time.

Airbus has signed an agreement with the French Civil Aviation University (ENAC) and CGx AERO in SYS, a specialist in aeronautical and geographic information systems to support the operations of its 100% subsidiary.