United tests new ‘split winglets’
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United Airlines has become the first airline to equip one of its aircraft with a new type of fuel-saving wing extension.
The new ‘Split Scimitar Winglets’ have been installed on one of the airline’s Boeing 737-800 aircraft, and are designed to increase fuel-efficiency by approximately 2%. United is the global launch customer for the new device and has committed to retrofitting its entire B737-800 and B737-900 fleet with the new winglets.
“We are always looking for opportunities to reduce fuel expense by improving the efficiency of our fleet. The… Split Scimitar Winglet will provide a natural hedge against rising fuel prices while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions,” said United’s vice president of fleet, Ron Baur.
Boeing says the new winglet design demonstrates “significant aircraft drag reduction” compared to the standard winglet design. Both Boeing and Airbus are rolling out new wing-tip extensions on their single-aisle fleets, as airline demand greater efficiency.
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