This paper was presented at a meeting of the Institute in London on 25 May 1980 with Captain S. S. D. Jones in the chair. Mr Page assesses the role of air navigation as one factor in coordinated flight planning, through the application of modern techniques, to secure maximum efficiency in airline operation and in the conservation of fuel.

This paper presents an airline view of developments in aircraft navigation and planning. It considers aircraft navigation in the widest sense together with the current change in emphasis in navigational requirements. Present technology can produce navigational systems of almost any desired accuracy – at a price. The cost of such systems, together with the requirements of ATC, will dictate the choice.