Hervey Bay - New approach procedure

GE Aerospace, in partnership with Qantas, will be proposing a new Required Navigation Performance – Authorisation Required (RNP-AR) approach (commonly referred to as a short approach) to Runway 11 (northern runway end) at Hervey Bay Airport. A feature of this type of approach is the ability to fly a curved path that enables a significant reduction in track miles, and a more stable approach.

In recognition of the impact of commercial aviation activities on global climate change, Qantas has released the ‘Qantas Group Climate Action Plan’. The action plan was released in March 2022 and is a commitment by the Qantas Group to Net Zero emissions by 2050. A key enabler for this milestone is to increase efficiency and reduce track miles across the Qantas network. This will lead to a reduction in fuel burn and emissions to contribute to the net zero by 2050 target.

It is globally recognised that every kilogram of fuel saved results in approximately 3kg of CO2 that is not released into the atmosphere. Shortening flight paths will reduce costs, time, and help guide a path to a more sustainable aviation sector.

GE Aerospace, in partnership with Qantas, will be proposing a new Required Navigation Performance – Authorisation Required (RNP-AR) approach (commonly referred to as a short approach) to Runway 11 (northern runway end) at Hervey Bay Airport. A feature of this type of approach is the ability to fly a curved path that enables a significant reduction in track miles, and a more stable approach.

In recognition of the impact of commercial aviation activities on global climate change, Qantas has released the ‘Qantas Group Climate Action Plan’. The action plan was released in March 2022 and is a commitment by the Qantas Group to Net Zero emissions by 2050. A key enabler for this milestone is to increase efficiency and reduce track miles across the Qantas network. This will lead to a reduction in fuel burn and emissions to contribute to the net zero by 2050 target.

It is globally recognised that every kilogram of fuel saved results in approximately 3kg of CO2 that is not released into the atmosphere. Shortening flight paths will reduce costs, time, and help guide a path to a more sustainable aviation sector.

  • Commencement of engagement

    A new curved flight path is being proposed at Hervey Bay Airport, to support Bombardier DHC8-400 (Dash-8) and Airbus A320/1 aircraft types arriving from Brisbane and wanting to land towards the south-east, on to Runway 11 (northern runway end), at Hervey Bay Airport. A feature of this type of approach is the ability to fly a curved path that enables a significant reduction in track miles, and a more stable approach.

    In poor weather aircraft arriving from Brisbane that are required to land on Runway 11 at Hervey Bay must currently track 15 nautical miles to the north to commence their approach to land. When the weather is good, these aircraft have the option of flying a much closer visual approach to land. This reduces track miles, which in turn, reduces fuel burn, emissions and time.
    The new flight path will allow aircraft to fly the closer visual approach in all weather conditions and benefit from the reduction in track miles, fuel burn and emissions.

    GE Aerospace is engaging the community on this proposed change. You can view the Community Engagement Plan here. Comments on this plan are welcomed to ensure that this engagement is effective in reaching interested communities.

    You can also review the following information on the proposed change:


    For more information, or to provide feedback, please contact GE Aerospace by email at navservices.engagement@geaerospace.com.au.

Page last updated: 24 Feb 2026, 02:09 PM