Tour operator TUI Travel is to fit the new split-scimitar wing-tip to its Boeing 737-800s, becoming the first company in Europe to use them.
The wing-tips, which incorporate a new cap and a ventral strake, have been developed by Aviation Partners Boeing as an improvement on its standard blended winglet.
United Airlines has already agreed to take the new wing-tips for its 737s.
TUI says the first modified aircraft will fly from January 2014. It has not indicated which of its airlines will have the initial scimitar-equipped 737-800 but the type is used by several of its carriers including Thomson Airways, TUIfly and Arkefly.
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| TUI Travel |
"Ordering these new winglets ahead of other airlines is part of TUI Travel's goal to continue operating Europe's most fuel-efficient airlines," says the tour operator.
It says the scimitar wing-tips will provide a 2% fuel saving on top of that achieved by the regular blended winglets.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
