EGNOS Service Provider, ESSP, and the Lithuanian Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) SE Oro navigacija have recently signed an EGNOS Working Agreement (EWA), as a key first step for the implementation of EGNOS-based approach procedures (LPV SBAS procedures) in Lithuania.

EGNOS is European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, it provides an augmentation signal to the Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Positioning Service (SPS). The EGNOS service enables RNP APCH (Required Navigation Performance Approach) down to a minimum as low as 200 ft (~60 meters). These EGNOS-based approaches (also called EGNOS LPV-200) are considered as ILS (Instrumental Landing System) look-alike, but without the need for the expensive ground infrastructure required for ILS or upgrade to existing certified EGNOS receivers.

The EGNOS service is to be adapted in 3 international airports of Lithuania: Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga.

The agreement was signed on the 10th October 2018, and it establishes the operational and legal framework to use the EGNOS Safety-of-Life Service as a navigation aid between the EGNOS Service Provider – ESSP - and the Airport / Navigation entity willing to use this service. This agreement is framed into the EU Space Programme actions to get the highest security rates and accuracy systems in aviation through Satellite Based Navigation Protocol.

Mr. Mindaugas Gustys, CEO of SE Oro navigacija said “Our company aims at providing Lithuania’s airspace users opportunities to improve their performance and seeks to become the region’s innovation leader. EGNOS adoption is an important step towards the goals and we are glad to support EU strategy to maximize the use of EGNOS in aviation and to adopt EGNOS in three main airports of Lithuania”.  

Oro navigacija is now to perform the relevant EGNOS adoption-related activities, including site survey, preparation of RNP APCH procedures to LPV/LPV200 minima, safety assessment, ground and flight validation and publication on AIP.

This agreement reinforces the use of EGNOS within the Baltic and neighboring countries, where 17 other agreements have already been signed: 1 in Norway, 7 in Sweden and 4 in Denmark, 2 in Estonia, 2 in Poland and 1 in Finland, but this is just the beginning, as more airports and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) are also working to obtain the EGNOS Working Agreement (EWA) to implement GNSS-based approach procedures soon.

_{ORO NAVIGACIJA provides air navigation services in Lithuanian airspace and in airspace over the part of Baltic Sea offering its users air traffic management services, communication, navigation and surveillance services as well as an aeronautical information services. It operates one combined En-route/TMA control centre at Vilnius, 3 TMA control centres at Lithuania’s international airports, each year providing safe and efficient air traffic control services to almost 230 thousands movements. It continues to maintain 0 min/flight delays level and to meet users expectations while flexibly and in cost effective way accommodating increase of the traffic up to 10%.ORO NAVIGACIJA as independent 100% State owned enterprise was founded in 1995.}

Photo credits: ESA