DAE Capital, the aircraft leasing and financial business arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), has signed an agreement with Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) to purchase 50 shipsets of Blended WingletsTM for their new 737-700/800 Next Generation aircraft, due for delivery starting in 2010.
Winglet technology (extended raised wingtips) is an effective way of making an aircraft more aerodynamically efficient. The reduction of drag on the wingspan improves take-off performance, climb rates, and increased payload and range capacity, together with reduced noise.
Aircraft upgraded with Blended Winglets have been shown to help cut fuel consumption, with block fuel savings of up to 5% [1] , depending upon route and stage length. Fuel savings for typical 737- 800/700 operators can exceed 100,000 gallons per aircraft per year with payback on the winglet investment typically taking between two and three years.
Additional benefits of this technology include reduced engine maintenance costs, lower engine emissions and less noise during takeoff.
H.E. Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, DAE Group Managing Director, said: "Our growth and expansion as an aviation group is inextricably linked to best practice and innovation. By partnering with APB, we continue to demonstrate how a business can deliver on its promise of developing a world-class leasing service, while also helping airlines to mitigate against the wider issues of higher running costs and environmental emissions."
Bob Genise, DAE Capital CEO, explained: "The many advantages of blended winglet technology can be realised both in the short-term and throughout the entire economic life of the aircraft. We're delighted to help operators by upgrading our 737-700/800 aircraft with technology that not only helps cut fuel costs and enhances overall performance but which also lowers emissions."
He adds: "The use of blended winglets has been demonstrated to reduce fuel burn by up to 5%, directly leading to a reduction of CO2 emissions. Any airline operating aircraft with blended winglets in its fleet is therefore not only driving up operational efficiencies, it is also sending out a wider message of its commitment towards lowering its environmental impact."
John Reimers, Aviation Partners Boeing CEO, said: "We are very pleased by DAE Capital's decision to purchase Blended Winglet technology for their new 737-700/800 aircraft. DAE Capital joins other forward-thinking leasing companies in specifying our product as standard equipment."
DAE Capital currently has a leasing portfolio comprising 33 aircraft with more than 200 Boeing and Airbus aircraft on order, with deliveries commencing in 2010. The Dubai-headquartered company is rapidly establishing itself as a world-class aircraft leasing business
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© Press Release 2009
