Delta signed a contract with Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) for the purchase of new split scimitar winglets, which will be placed on its fleet of 737-800s and its recently acquired 737-900ERs. It will also add so-called «scimitar blended winglets» to its more than seventy 757-200s.
Both split scimitar winglets and scimitar blended winglets are upgrades of the blended winglets developed by APB. These are present on a significant portion of Boeing products flying around the world. Delta already uses this type of wingtip on several of its 737-800, 737-900ER, 757-200, 757-300, and 767-300ER aircraft. According to APB, blended winglets save fuel due to the improved aerodynamic interactions between the wing and wingtip’s airflow.
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«Many airlines are focusing on reducing emissions and operational efficiency,» Craig McCallum, APB’s senior director of sales and marketing, noted. «Our winglets are a way to build a more sustainable future for air travel.» These words were echoed by Patrick LaMoria, APB’s CCO, who added, «We are very grateful to Delta for their continued support of our winglets.»
APB winglets were introduced to the market in 1999. Since then, airlines worldwide have ordered more than 9,500 pairs. APB estimates that its products have saved more than 13.4 billion gallons of fuel to date, preventing more than 141 million tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere. According to the manufacturer, its winglets improve fuel consumption by up to 2.2% for flights of more than 3,000 nautical miles.
