Split Scimitar Winglets Will Save Alaska Airlines $20 Million in Annual Fuel Costs

SEATTLE, Oct. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) today announced the order of 111 firm Split Scimitar Winglet Systems for Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft by Alaska Airlines. APB's newest program is the culmination of a five year design effort using the latest computational fluid dynamic technology to redefine the aerodynamics of the Blended Winglet into an all new Split Scimitar Winglet. The unique feature of the Split Scimitar Winglet is that it uses the existing Blended Winglet structure, but adds new strengthened spars, aerodynamic scimitar tips, and a large ventral strake.

"We expect Split Scimitar Winglets to be certified and enter revenue service by the end of this year; having Alaska Airlines, our hometown partner, be one of the very first airlines worldwide to feature Split Scimitar Winglets is extremely gratifying and a testament to our long term partnership," said Patrick LaMoria, Aviation Partners Boeing chief commercial officer.

Alaska Airlines has been a model of success in the airline industry and is known for embracing innovative technology to improve its customers' experience. Alaska expects the incremental fuel savings from APB's latest drag reducing technology will add another 58,000 gallons of annual fuel savings per aircraft per year. Once all their Next-Generation 737-800s, 737-900s, and 737-900ERs are fitted with Split Scimitar Winglets, Alaska estimates that it will save another $20 million in annual fuel costs. These fuel savings will also translate into an environmental benefit by reducing Alaska Airlines CO2 output by more than 68,000 tons per year.

"Reducing fuel consumption has been a top priority at Alaska Airlines for years," said Mark Eliasen, Alaska Airlines' vice president of finance and treasurer. "Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our employees, Alaska Airlines has managed to cut our carbon emissions by 30 percent per passenger mile since 2004. Investing in Split Scimitar Winglets will help further reduce our fuel use and sustain our position as the industry leader in environmental stewardship."

Aviation Partners Boeing's Split Scimitar Winglet program is the most successful product launch in its history. Since launching the program early this year, APB has now taken orders and options for over 766 Split Scimitar Winglet systems. Over the last 10 years, APB has sold over 7,000 Blended Winglet Systems. Nearly 5,000 Blended Winglet Systems are now in service with over 200 airlines in more than 100 countries. APB estimates that Blended Winglets have saved airlines worldwide nearly 4 billion gallons of jet fuel to-date. 

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

www.aviationpartnersboeing.com         

SOURCE Aviation Partners Boeing