Sunday, April 24, 2011

APNG to invest K6m on latest flying gears

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THE Airlines PNG will invest K6 million to install state-of-the-art avionics equipment for its fleet of Twin Otter (DHC- 6) aircraft.APNG said its fleet of DHC-6 aircraft will undergo a massive avionics upgrade in the coming months as part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to passenger safety in one of the world’s toughest flying environments.The K6 million-investment would take the Twin Otter fleet to a whole new level, far exceeding all industry standards and safety requirements. Under the new technology, the fleet would meet “next generation” flight deck standards.“There is no doubt the rugged terrain in which our pilots fly in presents them with daily challenges, being that PNG is one of the most difficult destinations to fly in,” APNG chief operating officer Bruce Alabaster said.“Until now our aircraft have exceeded safety standards and guidelines, but under the new system, each aircraft will be given a further avionics boost which will give pilots a whole new suite of capabilities.”These enhancements will mean APNG’s Twin Otter aircraft are fully-fitted with the most modern equipment available. The avionics will also be upgraded to include dual latest standard global positioning system units which will avail the aircraft with 18 new approaches within PNG, mainly at airfields where there is presently no approach available in bad weather.The new flight deck will include the latest technology synthetic vision system providing both pilots on board with an accurate three dimensional picture of terrain around the aircraft, even in cloud or at night.