FAA Grants APB Blended Winglets Approval for 767 Boeing Converted Freighter

SEATTLE, May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) announced today that it has received approval from the FAA demonstrating compatibility for installing Blended Winglets on the Boeing 767 Converted Freighter (767-BCF). This development assures that Boeing 767-300ERs with Blended Winglets are viable candidate for future conversion to freighters by Boeing.

Blended Winglet technology installed on a Boeing 767-300ER/F/BCF reduces fuel burn by up to 500,000 gallons per aircraft per year while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 5,000 tons per year. Blended Winglets can also extend the range of a Boeing 767-300ER/F/BCF by as much as 320 nautical miles, or increase the payload of the aircraft by as much as 16,000 pounds. APB estimates that Blended Winglets have saved airlines worldwide more than 3.1 billion gallons of jet fuel to-date.

Boeing and APB, in addition to collaboration and data sharing, separately invested in design changes for the blended winglet and the 767-300ER BCF, respectively, to assure compatibility and bring the unique solution to market.

Over 4,400 Blended Winglet Systems are now in service on Boeing 737's, 757's, and 767's with more than 160 airlines in over 80 countries. Since certification in 2009, APB has taken orders (firm and options) for 379 Boeing 767-300ER/F/BCF Blended Winglet systems.

Aviation Partners Boeing is a Seattle based joint venture of Aviation Partners, Inc. and The Boeing Company.