The blended winglets on Air New Zealand's Boeing 767-300ER aircraft are expected to help the carrier enjoy 19% higher fuel savings than forecast.

The winglets were initially expected to save more than six million litres of fuel annually, but this will increase to more than seven million litres per year, says Air New Zealand.

This should result in 18,400 tonnes less in annual carbon emissions, it adds.

Four of the carrier's five 767s have been equipped with the winglets, which were developed by Aviation Partners Boeing.

The blended winglets are 3.4 meter high win-tip devices, and make an aircraft's wing more efficient by reducing drag.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news