Ethiopian Airlines Orders 767-300ER Blended Winglets

SEATTLE, Jan. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) today announced Ethiopian Airlines has ordered Blended Winglets for its 767-300ERs.  Ethiopian Airlines will install the winglets in Addis Ababa at their maintenance facility at Bole International Airport. Initial installations, on 3 aircraft, are planned to commence in February 2012.

"Ethiopian Airlines has made the choice of purchasing winglets for our B767 because of the enormous performance and operating value they bring. The winglets will contribute greatly to our constant and comprehensive effort to continuously reduce our carbon footprint, through lower airport noise and emissions," said Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines.

Blended Winglet technology installed on a 767-300ER reduces fuel burn by up to 500,000 gallons per aircraft per year while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 5,000 tons per year.

Mr. Gebremariam also commented, "From an economics point of view, they will allow the airline to make substantial cost saving, through lower fuel burn, which is highly critical at a time when the industry as a whole is feeling the brunt of persistent high fuel prices, and also reduce engine maintenance cost. Specifically from our high altitude hub, the winglets will enhance our take-off performance and increase our payload and flight range, which means additional revenue for the airline."

767-300ER Blended Winglets can extend the range of the aircraft by as much as 320 nautical miles, or increase the payload of the aircraft by as much as 16,000 pounds. APB estimates that Blended Winglets have saved airlines worldwide more than 2.9 billion gallons of jet fuel to-date.

"In 2001, Ethiopian Airlines was the first 737-700 operator worldwide to adopt Blended Winglet Technology.  APB is now delighted to have this very experienced winglet operator also decide to add Blended Winglets to its 767-300ER fleet," said Patrick LaMoria, Aviation Partners Boeing Vice President of Sales & Marketing.

Over 4,600 Blended Winglet Systems are now in service with over 160 airlines in more than 80 countries.  Since certification in 2009, APB has taken orders (firm and options) for 355 767-300ER Blended Winglet systems.

Aviation Partners Boeing is a Seattle based joint venture of Aviation Partners, Inc. and The Boeing Company.

Contact: Patrick LaMoria, 206-830-7699

www.aviationpartnersboeing.com

Patent No. 5348253

SOURCE Aviation Partners Boeing