Ethiopian Airlines, Ethiopia’s flag carrier, has put in an order for Boeing Blended Winglets for its 767-300 ERs said Aviation Partners Boeing. The Airline will install the Winglets at the maintenance facility to be found at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The airline plans to install the Winglets on 3 aircraft as of February 2012.

Ethiopian Airlines decided to purchase the winglets for the B767 aircraft to take advantage of the significant performance and operating value they bring said Tewolde Gebremariam Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines.

The Winglets also make economic sense allowing the airline to save substantial costs as they result in a lower rate of fuel burn commented Tewolde. The savings on fuel are very important as the air transport industry in general is being affected by persistent increases in fuel prices as a whole he noted.

The reduced rate of fuel use is also accompanied by lower costs for engine maintenance according to Tewolde.

“Specifically from our high altitude hub, the winglets will enhance our take-off performance and increase our payload and flight range, which means additional revenue for the airline” said Tewolde.

Ethiopian Airlines was the first international airline to adopt Blended Winglet Technology in 2001 according to Patrick LaMoria, Vice President of Sales and Marketing Aviation Partners Boeing.

APB is happy the airlines, as an experienced winglet operator, made the decision to add Blended Winglets to its 767-300ER fleet said LaMoria.

Source: Aviation Partners Boeing