Smiths Industries Aerospace and Alaska Airlines won the Air Transport award for using Smiths' flight management system (FMS) and GPS to eliminate non-precision approaches.
The team pioneered required navigation performance 0.15 approach and departures at Juneau Airport in Alaska. Terrain at the airport rises from sea level to 5,000ft within one mile of both ends of the runway. The airport has gained major safety benefits and cost advantages due to the system.
Finalists in this category were Airbus Industrie, BWIA International Airlines and Honeywell Airport Systems/Pelorus Navigation Systems.
Airbus Industrie was selected thanks to sales of its Airbus A330-200. Launched in May last year, the 253-seat aircraft helped the company break into new markets.
BWIA International Airlines' first profit in 58 years was also recognised. The Caribbean airline made a net profit of $9.1 million for the last financial year.
And Honeywell Airport Systems and Pelorus Navigation Systems made the grade thanks to its Honeywell/Pelorus SLS 2000 Satellite Landing System. The system allows for a reduction in non-precision approaches.
Source: Flight Daily News
