Flybondi, Argentina’s low-cost airline, has recently modified two of its Boeing 737-800 aircraft with blended winglets. The wingtip modifications were applied to the two fleet aircraft at Ezeiza Airport.
The Argentinian carrier now plans to continue the rollout of the modification program progressively across its fleet, citing good performance gains on the two aircraft.
Flybondi’s Winglet Modification Program
Flybondi’s winglet installation project began with two 737-800 fleet aircraft, registered LV-KJF and LV-KJD. Boeing did not originally equip these 18-year-old narrowbody airframes with wingtip modifications.
Aerolíneas Argentinas’ maintenance team carried out the procedure at their workshops in Ezeiza Airport.
Furthermore, the airline’s maintenance team oversaw the modification process in a collaboration between Flybondi and Aerolíneas Argentinas.
These seemingly small modifications play a significant role in improving an aircraft’s performance. By streamlining the wingtip areas, a significant reduction in drag (particularly ‘induced drag’) is achieved.
Performance Figures
Moreover, Eduardo Gaspari, Flybondi’s Chief Operating Officer, shared some notable performance statistics following the wingtip modifications.
“During April, May, and June, the first aircraft equipped with winglets demonstrated a 7.45% decrease in fuel consumption. This translates to an impressive saving of 72,650kg of fuel within the control period.”
These numbers not only highlight the financial benefits for the airline but also underscore the significant environmental impact of the upgrades.
Future Fleet Modification Plans
Encouraged by the success of the initial installations, Flybondi now plans to continue the wingtip modifications across its fleet. The company aims to equip its entire fleet with winglets by the end of 2024.
About Flybondi
Furthermore, since its inception, Flybondi has revolutionized air travel in Argentina. As the country’s first low-cost carrier, the airline has:
- Expanded to serve 19 domestic and 3 international destinations
- Established 26 routes (18 domestic routes to/from Buenos Aires, 5 interprovincial routes, and 3 international routes)
- Transported over 11 million passengers
As the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to address climate change, initiatives like Flybondi’s winglet program serve as a model for other airlines looking to balance economic viability with environmental responsibility.
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