Newsstand - VARIG is1st Operator of Boeing Next-Generation 737 w/ Performance-Enhancing Winglets

VARIG to Be First Operator of Boeing Next-Generation 737 With Performance-Enhancing Winglets in Latin America

VARIG will be the first carrier in Latin America to operate the Boeing 737-800 with winglets when it takes delivery of two of the advanced airplanes in September and October. VARIG will operate the airplanes through a lease agreement with GATX Capital Corporation.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001004/BOEINGLOGO )

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010514/sfm071_2.html

Boeing 737 Advanced-Technology Winglets Make World Debut

SEATTLE, May 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 advanced-technology winglets made their world debut in revenue service last week with German carrier Hapag-Lloyd Flug.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001004/BOEINGLOGO )
Hanover-based Hapag-Lloyd became the first airline in the world to fly 737-800s equipped with the cost-effective, environmentally friendly wingtip extensions on commercial routes. The carrier uses 737-800s with winglets on routes from Germany to Mediterranean destinations.

The new winglets on the Boeing 737-800 curve out and up from the wingtip, reducing aerodynamic drag and boosting performance. They add about 5 feet (1.5 meters) to the airplane's total wingspan and allow the airplane to fly up to 130 nautical miles (240 kilometers) further.

``The winglets on our 737-800s will cut the airplane's already low fuel consumption, emissions and takeoff noise and make them even more eco-friendly,'' said Wolfgang Kurth, Hapag-Lloyd managing director. ``Less fuel means more range and gives us the opportunity to open new markets''
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010521/sfm070.html