Shenzhen Airlines has joined the trend of low cost airlines throughout the world with a commitment to equip future deliveries of 737-800 aircraft with Blended Winglet Technology. The firm order for 25 shipsets scheduled to deliver from February 2008 through 2010 follows the introduction this year of two winglet-equipped aircraft to their fleet and enhances Shenzhen's low cost position in the competitive Chinese market. With these orders, over 240 737-NG aircraft in China will be equipped with winglets.

"We are pleased that Shenzhen Airlines is including Blended Winglets in their aggressive growth strategy," says Aviation Partners Boeing CEO John Reimers. "Our technology continues to prove itself in service with low cost carriers on several aircraft models throughout the world, and Shenzhen's acceptance is further validation."

Significant fuel savings, takeoff weight improvements, payload-range increases, environmental benefits and higher engine-out altitudes all contribute to the compelling business case for winglets with Chinese operators. The mountainous terrain and increasing utilization of aircraft in China make Blended Winglets the ideal solution to improve revenues and increase profits, while also reducing the environmental impact of air travel. Noise footprint, on takeoff and landing, is reduced by an average of 6.5% while engine emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxides are lowered on the order of 5.0%.

Winglet adaptation in China continues to gain momentum, and the in-production installation of winglets on 737-NG aircraft is now the standard configuration delivering from Boeing to China. Discussions continue with all Chinese airlines to launch retrofit installations on both the 737-NG and 757-200 aircraft in China.

Today over 1750 Blended Winglet systems are in service with over 100 airlines in more than 40 countries. Currently, 75% of the in-service fleet of 737-700s and 737-800s are Blended Winglet equipped. By 2010, with over 4500 aircraft upgraded, APB anticipates that Blended Winglet Technology will have saved commercial airlines over 2 billion gallons of fuel.