Company's First Widebody Project May Boost Range By 350+ Miles

Aero-News learned Monday that Aviation Partners Boeing recently launched the 767-300ER Blended Winglet program, with FAA certification anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2008. Three airlines on three different continents have already placed firm orders for 68 767-300ER Blended Winglet systems.

Aviation Partners tells ANN the benefits of Blended Winglets for 767-300ER operators -- both passenger and freighter versions -- include average annual fuel savings per aircraft of 350,000 gallons, payload improvements of up to 12,000 pounds and a range boost of up to 360 nautical miles.

"More and more we're talking about total market acceptance for Blended Winglet technology," says Aviation Partners Boeing President and CEO John Reimers. "We now expect that over 90% of the 737-NG's will be flying with Blended Winglets, we're looking at 70+% of the 757-200 market and close to 80% of the 767-300ER market. The current 767-300ER fleet is about 575 units worldwide, therefore we anticipate upgrading about 460 aircraft between 2009 and 2012."

A high-utilization global aircraft, like the 767-300ER, is expected to achieve up to a six percent savings in fuel consumption with Blended Winglets. In addition to the cost savings and associated environmental benefits, the technology should extend the life cycle of the 767-300ER, and provide current 767-300ER operators wanting to transition to 787's with a 'bridge' to available delivery positions.

"Given the unprecedented success of our existing winglet programs, we expect that most 767-300ER operators will not wait until certification to place their orders and that we will sell out capacity very quickly," says Aviation Partners Boeing Chairman Joe Clark.

"Operators that have experienced the dramatic benefits of our existing products will quickly realize that the benefits of 767-300ER winglets will be even more compelling. The 767-300ER project is the most significant development program we've ever undertaken and is our first wide-body platform."

APB has already certified its patented Blended Winglet technology for the Boeing Business Jet, 737-800, 737-700, 737-300, and 757-200. APB is also currently in the process of certifying Blended Winglets for the 737-900 and 737-500. By 2010, APB expects that Blended Winglets will have saved the world's airlines over two billion gallons of fuel.

FMI: www.aviationpartnersboeing.com