Better Efficiency For Its Next-Gen 737s

Alaska Airlines Monday announced it has ordered 25 sets of performance-enhancing winglets from Aviation Partners Boeing.

The advanced-technology "Blended Winglets" will be installed on Alaska's Next Generation B737-800 aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2005 and retrofitted on their Next Generation 737-700 aircraft currently in operation.

The agreement between Alaska and Aviation Partners Boeing includes options to purchase additional sets of winglets for future 737-700 and 737-800 deliveries.

Retrofitting of the airline's Boeing 737-700 fleet will be done by Goodrich Aviation Technical Services in Everett (WA), as the aircraft complete routine heavy maintenance checks. Winglets on new 737-800 aircraft will be factory installed by Boeing.

Blended Winglets Technology will improve the performance and payload capability of Alaska jets, while providing significant cost savings through greater fuel efficiency. Winglet-equipped aircraft also are more environmentally friendly, offering a 6.5 percent reduction in takeoff noise and significantly reduced engine emissions.

"Blended Winglets enable us to save fuel, reduce noise, deliver better service and reduce costs during a very challenging time for the airline industry," said Alaska Airlines Executive Vice President of Operations George Bagley.

"With fuel prices at record highs, and not much relief in sight, investing in Blended Winglet Technology is a way for airlines to permanently hedge future fuel costs as measurable fuel savings continue through the life of the aircraft," said Mike Marino, CEO of Aviation Partners Boeing.

Winglets save fuel by reducing drag, which allow aircraft to fly at cruise speed with reduced engine power.

With an average annual aircraft utilization rate of 4,000 hours, winglets are expected to reduce the fuel burn of Alaska's Boeing 737s by 120,000 gallons, or 3.5 percent, per year.

Winglets also will enhance customer service by virtually eliminating the need for the airline to restrict passenger loads on transcontinental flights encountering strong headwinds.

"We're very pleased that a customer in our own backyard has chosen to adopt our Blended Winglet Technology," says Craig McCallum, sales director of Aviation Partners Boeing. "This important sale is yet another testimonial that Blended Winglet Technology works."

FMI: www.aviationpartnersboeing.com