According to a report from FlightGlobal, British Airways pushing Boeing and Rolls-Royce towards providing a winglet modification for the airline’s Boeing 767-300ER fleet. The obstacle: British Airways only has 21 767-300ERs in its fleet, which could be an obstacle.
British Airways chief Willie Walsh told the ATI that the carrier was “gently pushing” both Boeing and Rolls-Royce for the upgrade. The Pratt & Whitney and GE powered 767s already have a type certificate for winglets, but the Rolls engines generate a different wing loading.
Mr. Walsh continued, nothing the fleet’s young age of 13-14 years, and believes the 767s will provide service for an additional six years in the future.
Winglets, or wingtip devices, improve the efficiency of airliners. Many aircraft, ranging from old 727s to 757s, have been retrofitted with winglets to reduce fuel costs. The airline industry appears to believe that if you can’t buy new planes, put winglets on them. If you’re interested in learning more, there’s a great Wikipedia article on it.
British Airways would have retrofitted the 767s earlier, says Walsh, but the sooner the better. The carrier is moving towards replacing its 767 fleet with new Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
