Middle East airlines are not exempt from the impact of the high fuel price – a fact that has moved Muscat-based Oman Air to fit blended winglets to its Boeing 737 fleet.
The conversions will also offer significant improvements to the payload/range capabilities during hot summer months. Three retrofit installations were completed at Malaysian Air Systems in Kuala Lumpur last month.
With average annual utilisation rates of 3,900h, and stage lengths of 848nm (1,500km), Oman Air will save about 100,000 gal (380,000 litres) of jet fuel per aircraft a year with blended winglet technology.
In addition, Oman Air will be able to depart Muscat 4,400lb (2,000kg) heavier, thanks to aerodynamic performance advantages of the technology offered by Aviation Partners Boeing.
"Oman Air is continuously striving to optimise costs and increase productivity, with an objective to enhance its competitive edge," says Oman Air chief executive Ziad Al Haremi.
"With rising fuel prices, there is a strong focus on various measures to optimise this vital cost element. Installation of winglets will reduce the fuel consumption, and hence is a major step in this direction.
“We are proud to be the first operator of blended winglets in the Middle East."
Mike Marino, Aviation Partners Boeing chief executive, says: "Oman Air has been interested in blended winglet technology for some time and they quickly appreciated the unique benefits of our technology."
The conversions will also offer significant improvements to the payload/range capabilities during hot summer months. Three retrofit installations were completed at Malaysian Air Systems in Kuala Lumpur last month.
With average annual utilisation rates of 3,900h, and stage lengths of 848nm (1,500km), Oman Air will save about 100,000 gal (380,000 litres) of jet fuel per aircraft a year with blended winglet technology.
In addition, Oman Air will be able to depart Muscat 4,400lb (2,000kg) heavier, thanks to aerodynamic performance advantages of the technology offered by Aviation Partners Boeing.
"Oman Air is continuously striving to optimise costs and increase productivity, with an objective to enhance its competitive edge," says Oman Air chief executive Ziad Al Haremi.
"With rising fuel prices, there is a strong focus on various measures to optimise this vital cost element. Installation of winglets will reduce the fuel consumption, and hence is a major step in this direction.
“We are proud to be the first operator of blended winglets in the Middle East."
Mike Marino, Aviation Partners Boeing chief executive, says: "Oman Air has been interested in blended winglet technology for some time and they quickly appreciated the unique benefits of our technology."
Source: Flight Daily News
