Flight testing of the Boeing 737-700ER is under way, but the aircraft is not yet equipped with its blended winglets. Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) has begun work to retrofit the winglets to the new variant - the high-gross-weight extended-range derivative is destined for All Nippon Airways (ANA) - while Boeing completes certification work to allow future winglet installations during final assembly.
Although blended winglets are a standard option on all new production 737s (except the -600), they are not yet certificated for production incorporation on the Boeing Business Jet BBJ and BBJ-derived 737-700ER. The APB winglet programme for the 737 was originally developed for the BBJ, but was later adapted for production incorporation on the standard airline versions of the 737, as the modification offers a significant performance boost. Boeing will be cleared to install winglets during production of BBJs and -700ERs by early next year.
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Source: Flight International
