Thomas Cook Airlines Invests in the RISE Pass for their A321 Fleet

In order to improve flight  efficiency and enhance airport accessibility, Thomas Cook Airlines will invest in the RISE Pass, the solution from Airbus ProSky to fly the Required Navigation Performance with Authorization Required  (RNP AR) combining the aircraft capability and services necessary to complete all regulatory assessment prior to operations . In efforts to harmonize their fleet, Thomas Cook Airlines will equip 19 A321 from the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and Condor with retrofits that allow for RNP capabilities. 

The partnership between Thomas Cook Airlines, Airbus ProSky and Airbus goes beyond aircraft modification. Airbus ProSky will support Thomas Cook Airlines as it is approved by Local Authorities for RNP AR Operations with a comprehensive operations package and Flight Crew Training in the Airbus Training Center in Toulouse. 

“By equipping our fleet, we will be able to fly enhanced operations in challenging terrain airport area, such as Greece or Austria. We are also proud to introduce a new way of Navigation throughout the Airlines of Thomas Cook Group” stated Andy Thorington, Group Airlines Head of Airbus Operations for Thomas Cook Airlines. 

Thomas Cook Airlines has decided to invest in RISE Pass thanks to the extensive efforts from the European Community, including SESAR and Airbus, in deploying RNP AR procedures in Europe over the last two years through the RISE project. Many destinations served by Thomas Cook Airlines (including Heraklion, Santorini*) are involved in the project. 

“By expanding on the initial RISE footprint, Thomas Cook Airline is a leader in the European efforts for PBN,” said Airbus ProSky Group CEO, Paul-Franck Bijou. “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with them and are confident that harmonizing their fleet will create a group-wide strategy promoting enhanced operations.” 

The fleet will be equipped by Summer 2016. Airbus ProSky will be working closely with their crew throughout the spring to ensure comprehensive training is complete. 

*In flight trials phase with procedure publication expected in 2016