Flydubai installs split Scimitar winglets on Boeing 737-800

Flydubai has introduced split Scimitar winglets supplied by Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) on its next-generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

By completing the installation, flydubai has become the first operator in the Middle East to use this technology.

The retrofitted aircraft completed a flight from Amman to Dubai on 27 September.

Flydubai plans to install the split Scimitar winglets on up to 30 of its next-generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft, from now until October 2020.

Flydubai chief executive officer Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “The split Scimitar winglets have been in use since 2013 and we have seen many airlines around the world benefit from this technology both financially and environmentally.

“Choosing to invest in the latest technologies and to retrofit our fleet is part of fulfilling our commitment to cost and operational efficiency and passing on the savings to our passengers.”

During the retrofit programme, each aircraft will be installed with new, aerodynamic Scimitar winglet tip caps and a large ventral strake.

The modification will reduce fuel consumption by 1.5%.

For each aircraft, the winglet system is expected to cut the operator’s fuel bill by more than 200,000l a year. Annual CO₂ emissions will reduce by over 510t per aircraft.

APB has received orders for the supply of 2,300 systems. The technology is now installed in more than 1,200 aircraft.

APB sales and marketing director Christopher Stafford said: “The split Scimitar winglet system aligns with flydubai’s commitment: focusing on maximum efficiency of its fleet through sustainable solutions, without impacting its aircraft availability.

“After a thorough evaluation of the split Scimitar winglet system, flydubai clearly recognised the enhanced performance and improvement to the operating economics of the next-generation Boeing 737-800 fleet.”