SEATTLE, Nov. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the FAA's award of a Supplemental Type Certificate for 737-900 Blended Winglets to Aviation Partners Boeing, Alaska Airlines is the first airline to install winglets on the aircraft type and experience the associated improvements in aircraft performance. Aviation Partners Boeing launched the new winglet model late last year with orders from Alaska Airlines, Continental Airlines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The 737-900 Blended Winglet FAA certification was completed on schedule following a twelve month development program which included a short flight test program to demonstrate compatibility with Alaska's heads-up guidance system. EASA certification of 737-900 Blended Winglets is expected early next year.

"Aviation Partners Boeing is proud that an airline from our hometown is the first to reap the benefits of our revolutionary technology on the 737-900," says Aviation Partners Boeing CEO John Reimers. "Fuel savings, extended range, increased payload capability and the associated environmental benefits will provide Alaska Airlines with measurable economic benefits for the life of the aircraft."

Alaska Airlines already operates with winglets on its 737-700 and 737-800 fleets, and plans to retrofit most of its 737-900s with winglets by late 2008. Blended Winglets allow Alaska Airlines to reduce fuel consumption by about 3 percent, which saves about 100,000 gallons annually per aircraft. They also reduce concerns related to adverse winds and payload limitations.

737-900 Blended Winglets are the latest offering of Aviation Partners Boeing. To date, this performance enhancing technology has also been certified for the 737-300, 737-500, 737-700 and 737-800, and the 757-200; and development of the first wide-body application of Blended Winglet Technology is underway for the 767-300ER.

"Winglets effectively address two of the biggest issues facing airline operators today: Fuel costs and carbon emissions," Mr. Reimers said. "By 2010 our products will have reduced fuel consumption throughout the industry by 2 billion gallons, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 20 million tons!"

Currently 1,927 Boeing aircraft are benefiting from the installation of Blended Winglet technology. The 2000th Boeing aircraft to be equipped with Blended Winglets will be a Continental Airlines 737-900 that is scheduled to re-enter service, following installation of the winglets in Orlando, during the first week of December.

Aviation Partners Boeing is a joint venture between Aviation Partners, Inc. and The Boeing Company. To learn more about patented* Blended Winglet Technology, go to http://www.aviationpartnersboeing.com.

Patent No. 5348253