Seattle, USA-based aerospace JV Aviation Partners Boeing said it has formally launched the 737-900ER split scimitar winglet programme with an order from United Airlines (NYSE: UAL).
Using a newly patented design, the program will consist of retrofitting existing Boeing (NYSE: BA) Next-Generation 737 Blended Winglets by replacing the aluminum winglet tip cap with a new aerodynamically shaped “scimitar” winglet tip cap and by adding a new scimitar tipped ventral strake.
In January 2013, APB launched the split scimitar winglet programme for the provisioned 737-800 with an order from United Airlines. FAA supplemental type certification for the Boeing 737-800 is targeted for October of this year with EASA certification planned within the following two months.
Certification flight testing of winglets on the 737-900ER will follow closely behind and is scheduled to begin in November with FAA supplemental type certification targeted for late February 2014.
APB said it is targeting six additional Boeing Next-Generation 737 configurations for possible certification. APB expects Split Scimitar Winglet Systems installed on a Boeing 737-900ER to save United Airlines over 57,000 gallons of jet fuel per aircraft per year resulting in a corresponding reduction of carbon dioxide emissions of over 600 tons per aircraft per year.
Aviation Partners Boeing is a Seattle based joint venture of Aviation Partners Inc and The Boeing Co.
Find out more at www.aviationpartnersboeing.com.
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