Bosnia and Herzegovina Air Navigation Services Agency (BHANSA) has successfully implemented a new set of satellite-guided flight procedures (PBN – Performance Based Navigation) at Mostar Airport. These procedures entered into force on March 21, 2024, and are already showing concrete results in improving airspace management and service quality under demanding operational conditions.
“The results speak for themselves,” said Davorin Primorac, Director of BHANSA.
“More than 90% of flights use PBN procedures for departures, and over 75% for approaches, clearly confirming their operational value. This ensures greater service continuity, especially under adverse weather conditions, while simultaneously enhancing safety and contributing to the sustainability of air traffic.”
Operational, Economic and Environmental Benefits
The application of PBN technology enables more precise and safer flying with the help of satellite navigation, which is of particular importance in complex meteorological and topographical conditions at Mostar Airport.
PBN procedures contribute to shorter routes, lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions, decreased operating costs and noise reduction— aligning with the European Union’s climate neutrality goals by 2050.
PBN Makes Mostar Airport More Accessible and Competitive
Thanks to the new procedures, Mostar Airport has become more attractive to airlines by enabling more cost-effective operations without increasing the number of flights. This technological advancement enhances Mostar’s competitiveness on the regional aviation map.
A similar modernization process is currently underway at the other three international airports in Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking a significant step towards establishing a unified, modern, and interoperable air traffic system in the country.
Successful Cooperation with Technological Partners
The new procedures were developed in cooperation with renowned international partners: CGX AERO, Tecno Engineering 2C and Ecoplan. BHANSA’s commitment to innovation has been recognized by its partners.
“We are proud to have been able to support BHANSA in the implementation of the most advanced navigation solutions” said Marc Chiesa, CEO of CGX AERO.
“The success in Mostar demonstrates how satellite navigation can have a real impact when applied in accordance with specific operational needs. With this initiative, BHANSA has set a standard that can serve as a model for airspace modernization across Europe.”
Carlo Criscuolo, CEO of Tecno Engineering 2C, emphasized the continuity of the successful cooperation: “Completing this project is extremely significant for us, not only because of its technical complexity but also because it represents a continuation of the partnership that began 15 years ago when we developed the first conventional procedures for Mostar. Today, thanks to PBN technology, an additional improvement of safety standards and operational efficiency is possible.”
A Best Practice Example and a Milestone for the Aviation Sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The rapid integration of the new procedures by domestic and international airlines further confirms their technical and operational value. This project represents a major milestone in the modernization of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s aviation infrastructure and can serve as a best practice example for other regional airports and air navigation service providers.
As the global aviation sector increasingly shifts toward smarter and more sustainable traffic management, the experience of Mostar demonstrates how local initiatives can have a significant and internationally relevant impact.
