Indigo uses GAGAN- first airline

Published: 7th May, 2022

Context

India achieved a major landmark when the Airports Authority of India (AAI) successfully conducted a trial applied the latest technology developed by an indigenous satellite based augmentation system (SBAS) called GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation) at the Kishangarh airport in Rajasthan.

The IndiGo aircraft flew an aircraft with an Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP) with LPV minima of 250ft, using GAGAN Service.
India is the first country in Asia Pacific Region to achieve this.

About

What is GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN)?

It is a Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) implemented jointly with Airport Authority of India (AAI).
The main objectives of GAGAN are to provide Satellite-based Navigation services with accuracy and integrity required for civil aviation applications and to provide better Air Traffic Management over Indian Airspace.
The system will be interoperable with other international SBAS systems and provide seamless navigation across regional boundaries.
The GAGAN Signal-In-Space (SIS) is available through GSAT-8 and GSAT-10.
GAGAN is used to provide lateral and vertical guidance when an aircraft is approaching a runway for landing.
Its precision is especially useful at small airports where the instrument landing system (ILS) has not been installed.
In India's civil aviation sector, GAGAN will modernise the airspace, reduce flight delays, save fuel and improve flight safety.

Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS)

The SBAS is a navigation system, which builds on the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GLONASS), and adds to the accuracy and integrity of these navigation tools.
For aircraft operators, both civilian and military, it means that pilots can land aircraft at smaller airports and airstrips using navigation guidance without expensive instrument-based landing systems being installed on the ground.

Some of the benefits GAGAN is expected to bring for Civil Aviation sector are:

Safety benefits – Vertical guidance improves safety, especially in adverse weather conditions
Reduction of circling approaches
Environmental benefits–Approach with Vertical Guidance procedures will help facilitate better energy and descent profile management during the final approach
Global seamless navigation for all phases of flight including arrival, departure, oceanic and en route
Allow direct routings, multiple approaches resulting in considerable fuel savings to airlines and provide for capacity enhancement of airports and airspace

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Indigo uses GAGAN- first airline