The new EGNOS LPV-200 (Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance) service level now enables aircraft approaches that are operationally equivalent to ILS CAT I: providing lateral and angular vertical guidance without the need for visual contact with the ground until a Decision Height (DH) of down to only 200 ft. above the runway. These EGNOS-based approaches are considered ILS look-alike, but without the need for the expensive ground infrastructure required for ILS.

EGNOS LPV-200 based approaches, lowered from LPV-250, guarantee all the advantages provided by an ILS CAT I approach with the airspace design flexibility of a PBN approach. Benefits include: 

• Reduced risks associated with landing in bad weather conditions
  
• Increased accessibility to airports
  
• Reduced delays, diversions and cancellations (cutting costs)
  
• Increased airspace capacity and reduction of both ATC and pilot workload
  
• Improved efficiency of operations, lowering fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and decreasing aviation’s environmental impact
  

This new EGNOS Safety of Life (SoL) service level is available free of charge to all European users within the service coverage area. EGNOS LPV-200 supports civil aviation operations during approaches to airports and helipads. The service requires no upgrade to an airport’s ground infrastructure or to existing certified EGNOS receivers.

“EGNOS LPV-200 is now the most cost effective and safest solution for airports,” said GSA Executive Director, Carlo des Dorides. “This is another big step forward for European satellite navigation and aviation.”  

LPV-200 is a key milestone in the development of European Satellite Navigation and EGNOS, Europe’s SBAS, which has provided civil aviation-certified GPS augmentation over Europe since 2011. Today over 150 European Airports use EGNOS and it is estimated that by 2018 the number will increase to 440.

EGNOS is managed by the GSA, on behalf of the European Commission. ESSP SAS is the EGNOS Service Provider, under contract with the GSA.