CONTINENTAL AIRLINES has entered into a partnership with Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) to install blended winglets on part of its fleet of Boeing short- and medium-haul airliners. The two companies have agreed in principle for the winglets to be fitted on eleven B737-800s and eleven B757-200s, with options for additional winglet orders in the future ” which could eventually comprise over 200 aircraft. As launch customer for the winglet-equipped B757-200, the Houston-based airline will play an important role in the certification process which will begin within the next few months. The first aircraft should be in commercial service by June 2005. APB believes the new winglets will bring considerable fuel burn savings aboard the B757, especially as the type is heavier than the B737 and operates on longer duration flights than the B737. With suggestions that fuel and operating savings could be in the region of five to ten per cent, APB is confident that other B757 operators will sign up for the winglet modification.
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