News
Southwest orders APB winglets for Boeing fleet
Jan. 6, 2014, Dallas, Tx. - U.S.-based airline Southwest Airlines has placed an order for 85 Split Scimitar Winglets for its Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft with Aviation Partners Boeing (APB).
January 6, 2014 By aerospace-technology.com
The Split Scimitar Winglet uses the existing Blended Winglet structure and provides strengthened spars, aerodynamic scimitar tips, as well as a large ventral strake.
A joint venture of Aviation Partners and The Boeing Company, APB expects to receive FAA certification for the new winglets by the end of January 2013.
"Southwest will retrofit the 52 Boeing 737-800s currently in its fleet, as well to the 33 Boeing 737-800 jets that the carrier expects to be delivered later this year."
APB executive vice president and chief commercial officer Patrick LaMoria said: "With over ten years experience operating Blended Winglets on their entire Boeing Next-Generation 737 fleet, the upgrade to Split Scimitar Winglets was a natural next step for Southwest Airlines."
With the latest order, Southwest will retrofit the 52 Boeing 737-800s currently in its fleet, as well to the 33 Boeing 737-800 jets that the carrier expects to be delivered later this year.
The airline is planning to begin Split Scimitar Winglet retrofits at Aviation Technical Services, in Everett, Washington, in the first half of 2014, with completion of all retrofits expected by early 2015.
Following completion of the process, Southwest Airlines is estimated to increase its annual fuel savings of approximately 5% per aircraft annually with the Split Scimitar Winglet, compared with around 3% per aircraft from Blended Winglets, while reducing emissions.
APB has received orders and options for 1,451 Split Scimitar Winglet systems to date.
