Mon, Mar 30, 2009
More Winglet-ed Widebodies Head Overseas
On Friday, the first Austrian Airlines Boeing B767 (OE-LAE) to
undergo a successful conversion to winglets' in the United States
returned to Austria.
Austrian Airlines is the first European airline to convert four
aircraft from its Boeing B767 fleet to use the new technology,
placing it in a pioneering position. Since Austrian Airlines agreed
the conversion deadlines at an early stage, the airline says it now
enjoys "clear competitive advantage over other carriers" in regards
to fuel savings.
Three of its aircraft will be converted as early as May
2009.
Dr. Peter Malanik, Chief Operations Officer of the Executive
Board of the Austrian Airlines Group, said the carrier chose to
make the move for efficiency and environmental reasons.
"By using winglets, we are caring for our environment and at the
same time cutting back our fuel costs," he said. "We are doing
pioneering work in Europe in this field, working on the basis that
we will be able to save some 1,000 tons of kerosene a year on every
aircraft converted. We are also increasing the range of the
aircraft by around 670 km per flight, and can raise the payload to
certain destinations by up to five tons.
"Our Boeing 767 fleet is distinguished by its ability to provide
both the best possible passenger comfort and cutting-edge
technology," Malanik added.
As ANN reported, American Airlines flew the
first revenue flight with a 767 equipped with Aviation Partners
Boeing's Blended Winglets earlier this month.
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