Copa Airlines Orders Split Scimitar Winglets

SEATTLE, Oct. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) today announced the order of up to 100 Split Scimitar Winglet Systems for Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft by Copa Holdings, S.A.  This program is the culmination of a five year design effort using the latest computational fluid dynamic technology to redefine the aerodynamics of the Blended Winglet into an all new Split Scimitar Winglet. The unique feature of the Split Scimitar Winglet is that it uses the existing Blended Winglet structure, but adds new strengthened spars, aerodynamic scimitar tips, and a large ventral strake. This advanced technology winglet is the ultimate winglet in terms of performance, without increasing existing wing span.

"Since Copa Airlines was the first airline in the Americas to fly 737-700's with Blended Winglets, it is no surprise that the airline is once again out front in adopting our new fuel-savings technology," said Darren Waltier, Aviation Partners Boeing director of Sales and Contracts. 

Copa Airlines now serves 65 destinations in 29 countries in North, Central, South America and the Caribbean. Once all their Next-Generation 737s are fitted with Split Scimitar Winglets, Copa expects to save over $21 million in annual fuel costs while reducing its CO2 output by more than 63,000 tons per year.

"Given their extensive experience with our products, Copa has a remarkable appreciation for the value they offer.  APB is very pleased to have another early endorsement from Copa of our latest fuel-savings innovation," added Patrick LaMoria, Aviation Partners Boeing chief commercial officer.

"Copa operates over an extensive geographic range and in a very competitive and dynamic environment," says Ahmad Zamany, Copa Airlines vice president of technical operations.  "Blended Winglets have helped us provide a significant benefit in services to our customers and have improved overall airline performance.  We appreciate the cost savings of APB and its Blended Winglets and we look forward to utilization of this new product."

Since launching the program early this year, APB has now taken orders and options for over 550 Split Scimitar Winglet systems. Over the last 10 years, APB has sold over 7,000 Blended Winglet Systems.  Nearly 5,000 Blended Winglet Systems are now in service with over 200 airlines in more than 100 countries. APB estimates that Blended Winglets have saved airlines worldwide more than 3.9 billion gallons of jet fuel to-date. 

Aviation Partners Boeing is a Seattle based joint venture of Aviation Partners, Inc. and The Boeing Company.

www.aviationpartnersboeing.com         

About Copa Holdings, S.A.
Copa Airlines and Copa Airlines Colombia, subsidiaries of Copa Holdings, are leading Latin American providers of passengers and cargo services. The airlines provide service to 65 destinations in 29 countries in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, operating one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the industry, consisting of 89 aircraft: 63 Boeing 737 Next-Generation aircraft and 26 Embraer-190s. Passengers may purchase tickets at copa.com in U.S. dollars as well as 10 other currencies. Copa Airlines joined Star Alliance in June 2012 and has a commercial alliance with United Airlines, including participation in the MileagePlus frequent-flyer program, joint operation of the Copa Club in Panama and select codeshare flights. For more information, visit www.copa.com.                        

SOURCE Aviation Partners Boeing