GOL Orders Blended Winglet(TM) Systems for Fleet of Boeing 737-800stitle
- Largest Operator of Next Generation Boeing 737s in South America
Adopts Aviation Partners Boeing Blended Winglet(TM) Technology
- Dramatic Fuel Saving and Short Field Benefits
SEATTLE, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes
(NYSE: GOL) is reaching new heights by incorporating leading-edge technology
on its Boeing Next Generation 737-800 aircraft. Brazils low-fare, low-cost
airline, will equip its new Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft with
Blended Winglets to reduce the Companys fuel costs and significantly improve
airplane performance during take-off and landing on short runways.
"In addition to reducing fuel costs, adding this new equipment guarantees
that GOL will offer its customers one of the most modern and comfortable
fleets in South America with the latest technology," says David Barioni,
Technical Vice President at GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes. The aircraft will
be equipped with the Short Field Performance Package, including Blended
Winglets, which provides additional capabilities for landing at airports with
shorter runways -- including Rio de Janeiros Santos Dumont (1,323 meters) and
Sao Paulos Congonhas airport (1,940 meters), two of the most important
airports in Brazil.
GOL and Aviation Partners Boeing signed a contract in November for the
delivery of 60 Blended Winglet Systems. "While a standard 737-800 cannot
operate economically into Santos Dumont, GOLs Performance Enhanced 737-800s
will be able to arrive and depart with full payloads," says Christopher
Stafford, Director of Sales and Marketing of Aviation Partners Boeing.
Additional Blended Winglet benefits include reduced engine maintenance
costs, quieter and more environmentally friendly operations, and a distinctly
high-tech image. As GOL operates its 737NGs at one of the highest utilization
rates in the industry, an average of 14 block hours per day, the Company
expects the Blended Winglets will save the Company approximately 3% to 4% per
aircraft annually in its fuel requirements.
"The GOL brand is synonymous with innovation and value in the Brazilian
domestic airline market," says Aviation Partners Boeing Vice President of
Sales, Patrick LaMoria. "Blended Winglet Technology will help GOL keep
operating costs low while maximizing flexibility and payload capacity, even
out of the more challenging airports in its rapidly growing route system."
Contact: Patrick LaMoria, VP Sales
Dick Friel, Sr. VP Marketing +1-206-830-7633
Christopher Stafford, Director of Sales +1-206-299-4952
