Operators of European-registered Boeing 737s will be able to install aerodynamic fins on the aft fuselage following validation of a US supplemental type certificate.
The ‘finlets’ – developed by Vortex Control Technologies – have been approved by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
EASA’s clearance covers the modification of 737-700, -800 and -900ER variants.
Aircraft can experience drag from airflow separation and vortices in the vicinity of the aft fuselage.
Modification with a patented array of fins fixed to the fuselage skin can alter the airflow and reduce this drag, offering improved fuel efficiency.
Vortex Control Technologies chief Gil Morfan says the EASA validation is a “culmination of years of research, development and collaboration”.
It allows the company to expand the availability of its finlets to European airlines.
“European operators can now benefit from proven fuel and carbon savings demonstrated through years of testing and in-service evaluation from US operators,” the company adds.
While Turkey is not an EASA member state, Turkish leisure carrier SunExpress became the first European customer for the technology last year when it initiated a trial using five 737-800s.
SunExpress chief operations officer Cemil Sayar says this in-service evaluation has been “successful”, and the carrier is expanding the retrofit to cover its entire 737-800 fleet – comprising over 40 additional aircraft.
“This initiative not only supports our carbon reduction goals but also reinforces our commitment to responsible and efficient operations,” he adds.
