HOOD RIVER, Ore., Dec. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- ANPC today announced recent performance results for its TLS(TM) Transponder Landing System, installed at Subic Bay International Airport in the Philippines. This facility serves as the AsiaOne hub for FedEx Express, the world's largest express transportation company and the primary user of the TLS at Subic Bay. At Subic Bay, due to the seasonal monsoons planes land on a runway fronted by difficult terrain that requires an offset approach and limits the installation of an ILS. During the 2001 monsoon season between May and August, FedEx landed 183 planes using the TLS when prevailing southwest winds could have otherwise resulted in diversions. "Airport delays are much more than frustrating inconveniences for FedEx Express. Our customers depend on reliable service, so FedEx Express must fly our aircraft safely and arrive on time even during inclement weather. As one of the world's largest airlines, we have a responsibility to improve the air traffic system by focusing on infrastructure, processes and technology," said Don Barber, Senior Vice President, FedEx Express. "FedEx has an outstanding reputation for working with private and government entities to develop and test technologies that enhance safety and reliability." The TLS is a Category 1 precision approach system designed for use at airports where terrain or limited real estate prohibit the use of traditional Instrument Landing Systems (ILS). It does this by tracking incoming aircraft using their transponder and providing guidance to existing onboard ILS avionics. Terrain that would be cost prohibitive to grade or remove for an ILS system presents no problem for the TLS; sophisticated site calibration enables the TLS to compensate for the effects of ground based signal reflections. Furthermore, because the TLS is a tracking system it has flexible siting criteria compared to ILS, which benefits those airfields with limited airport property; TLS components are all contained within a 350'x350' footprint that can be placed on either side of the runway, straddle the runway, or be otherwise configured for each site's unique needs. In addition to Subic Bay, ANPC has systems installed in Wisconsin, Washington, and New Jersey. Most recently, the Royal Australian Air Force procured the Firefly(TM) transportable TLS. ANPC has ten congressionally named sites awaiting installation in Idaho, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Washington, Virginia, and Utah. An additional 14 sites in Vermont, Utah, Colorado, California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Idaho are in process for 2002. About ANPC Established in 1991, ANPC is a privately held company located in Hood River, Oregon. ANPC produces the TLS(TM) Transponder Landing System and the Firefly(TM) transportable TLS. After cooperative and exhaustive test and evaluation by both the FAA and ANPC, the TLS is slated to receive FAA Type Acceptance later this month. This designation declares the system technically acceptable and operationally suitable for use in the National Airspace System.