Austrian Airlines Orders 6 Shipsets of 767-300ER Blended Winglets(TM)

SEATTLE, May 8 /PRNewswire/ — Austrian Airlines, an operator of Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglet technology for 737-800s since early 2005, is the first airline in Europe to order 767-300ER Blended Winglets. Austrian Airlines will retrofit their fleet of six 767-300ER aircraft with the eleven foot tall Blended Winglets, currently in development by APB.

“We are delighted to have Austrian Airlines as the leading European customer for our 767-300ER Winglets. They have shown tremendous foresight and will be the first in Europe to experience the dramatic fuel savings achieved by installing Blended Winglets on wide-body aircraft,” said Aviation Partners Boeing President and CEO John Reimers.

Based on their route structure and schedule, Austrian Airlines’ fleet will experience over 5% in block fuel savings as a direct result of the 767-300ER Blended Winglets. This amounts to over six million kilograms (over two million gallons) of fuel saved per year for their fleet of six aircraft. Increased payload potential will be up to five tons (10,000 pounds) at certain airports given the improved climb performance that Blended Winglets allow. These benefits, combined with extended range, lower emissions and increased residual value will make the payback period for Austrian Airlines well under two years.

Alfred Oetsch, CEO Austrian Airlines says, “Austrian Airlines is happy to be the first European operator to invest in 767-300ER Blended Winglets. We have always put special attention on the economical use of resources and this includes the decision to use new technology on our aircraft. We will benefit from the economic advantages due to fuel savings, increased payload and an extended range. Our Boeing 767 fleet will then not only offer highest passenger comfort, but also state of the art technology.

Nearly 1700 Boeing aircraft operated by over 100 airlines in more than 40 countries are now flying with patented Blended Winglet technology. APB has already certified Blended Winglets for the Boeing Business Jet, 737-800, 737-700, 737-300, and 757-200. APB is currently in the process of certifying Blended Winglets for the 737-900 and 737-500. By 2010, APB estimates that Blended Winglets will have saved the world’s airlines two billion gallons of fuel.

http://www.aviationpartnersboeing.com/ Patent No. 5348253

Aviation Partners Boeing

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