Boeing to Offer Winglets on 737s

Boeing is offering winglets as a standard option on its 737-800 transports.

First delivery of a new-build 737-800 with winglets will occur in about a year, Boeing said. The gently curved "blended" winglet design reduces fuel burn by about 5%, adding range or allowing the aircraft to carry up to 6,000 pounds more payload. They also improve aircraft climb rate and takeoff performance, especially at "hot and high" airports.

The 8-foot-longlong winglets, designed by Seattle-based Aviation Partners, are made from carbon graphite and weigh about 120 pounds apiece. They were originally developed for the Boeing Business Jet, a 737-700 modified with a 737-800 wing.

Boeing said the winglets soon will be available for other 737 versions that use the same wing, such as the 737-700C and 737-900. The company also is studying their application on other models, including older 747s. The winglets also will be available for retrofit to existing 737-800s. Installation requires only a few hours, including minor structural beef-up of the outer wing and fitting of attach points.

By Paul Proctor