TUI Travel PLC (TUI Travel) is pleased to announce its airlines will be the first in Europe to fly the new innovative Split Scimitar Winglet Systems from Aviation Partners Boeing (“APB”). The Split Scimitar Winglets replace the Blended Winglets currently installed on the Boeing Next-Generation 737- 800 aircraft, operated across Arkefly, Jetairfly, Thomson Airways, TUIfly and TUIfly Nordic with the first modified aircraft flying from January 2014.
Ordering these new winglets ahead of other airlines is part of the TUI Travel’s goal to continue operating Europe’s most fuel efficient airlines as set out in its Sustainable Holidays Plan.
These new cutting edge Split Scimitar Winglets will annually save per aircraft up to 200 metric tonnes of jet fuel, resulting in a corresponding carbon emissions reduction of up to 630 metric tonnes. Currently the Group operates fuel saving Blended Winglets on all of its Boeing Next- Generation 737-800 aircraft, reducing fuel burn by up to 5%. The new innovative Split Scimitar Winglets will save up to an additional 2% bringing the total fuel saving for each aircraft up to 7% compared to aircraft without them.
The fuel savings can enable a Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft to increase its payload by nearly 1,500 kg, or increase its range up to 60 nautical miles. APB also expects to certify an improvement in low speed performance that will generate additional take-off benefits.
Jane Ashton, Group Director of Sustainable Development at TUI Travel PLC said: “We aspire to sector leadership in sustainability and we are therefore always looking for ways to make our airlines even more efficient and to minimise our environmental impact. We are delighted that our airlines will be the first to commercially fly the new design of winglets for our Boeing Next- Generation 737- 800s. This further reduction in fuel burn and lower emissions helps to reinforce our commitment to sustainable travel. We are continually driving eco-efficiencies which have brought environmental and financial benefits.”
Troy Brekken, Aviation Partners Boeing Director of sales and marketing commented: “We are very excited to partner with TUI Travel for the Split Scimitar Winglet programme. As the first to fly with Blended Winglets on its Boeing Next Generation 737 fleet, this order confirms TUI Travel’s firm commitment to saving fuel and lowering greenhouse gases.”
© TUI Travel PLC
