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UIA installs ‘winglets’ on its fleet, increases efficiency, lowers pollution
Ukraine International Airlines, the first airline in the post-CIS countries and one of the first in Europe, installs ‘winglets’ on its Boeing 737 aircrafts
5 March, 2008; Kyiv, Ukraine – UIA announced today the plans to upgrade its fleet with ‘winglets’ (extended raised wingtips) on its Boeing 737-300 and 737-500 aircraft. Winglets on two airplanes were recently installed. A total of five aircraft will be upgraded before the end of this year.
Winglets are wing tip devices that are designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency of the aircraft by reducing wing vortex concentration, thereby reducing drag and, consequently, fuel burn. Lowered consumption of aviation fuel improves aircraft’s environmental performance by reducing carbon (CO2) emissions linked to environment pollution. The installation of winglets shows the commitment of Ukraine International to reducing carbon emissions.
An aircraft with winglets installed will reduce fuel burn by up to 5% and, consequently, reduce CO2 emissions.
“Installation of winglets on our fleet demonstrates our continued commitment to improve efficiency of our aircraft and our continued concern for the environment,” said Richard W. Creagh, Deputy President. “We already operate only Boeing 737 aircrafts with fuel efficient CFM 56 engines and the installation of winglets will further reduce carbon emissions. Increased efficiency is also important due to very high fuel prices. Winglets allow us to be less dependant on fuel price hikes and to give our customers the best possible offer.”
In addition to increased efficiency, winglets reduce engine maintenance costs and reduce take-off and approach noise levels by 6.5%. In addition to improving operation performance, winglets also offer an opportunity to make an airplane aesthetically appealing. The new and elegant flowing lines of the aircraft’s wings coupled with improved design radically increase the enjoyment of every flight.
Ukraine International Airlines currently operates fifteen Boeing 737 aircraft.
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