LONDON – Canadian carrier WestJet and US-based Aero Design Labs (ADL) have joined their efforts by announcing a partnership to modify WestJets’ fleet of 737-700 NextGen aircraft to reduce emission and increase fuel efficiency.
The new partnership between WestJet and Aero Design Labs (ADL) comes to life as carrier has showed continued efforts and investments to reduce their carbon footprint, as the airline is positive about the new modifications that will substantially reduce overall fuel consumption by adjusting drag reduction, which will also financially prove beneficial via long term cost saving efforts on fuel consumption.
Speaking on this occasion, WestJet Chief Operating Officer, Diederik Pen said that “With one of North America’s youngest and most efficient fleets, WestJet continues to make significant investments to make air travel more sustainable.”
“Through our innovative partnership with Aero Design Labs, we are currently testing a first-of-its-kind product designed to reduce fuel burn and improve the efficiency and longevity of our 737-700s”
Dallas Fort Worth based Aero Design Labs, which has been working in the field of aerodynamics and research & development in the field of aviation, has created the Aerodynamic Drag Reduction System (ADRS1) specifically for Boeing 737-700 fleets with WestJet as their key partner for installation, certification, and validation of the ADRS 1.
Both, Aero Labs Design and WestJet have joined their efforts in gathering data and analysis, which has allowed Aero Design Labs to perform additional modifications and system feedback on the ADRS1 technology.
Once the ADRS 1 is approved and validate by the Department of Transport Canada for the commercial use, the actual implementation of the product can be seen used onboard WestJet fleets of Boeing 737-700 NG.
Speaking on this remarkable moment, Aero Design Labs’ Chief Commercial Officer, Chris Jones said, “We are delighted that WestJet as the largest 737NG operator in Canada chose to partner with ADL as the launch customer on the 737-700 using our ADRS1 Kit that we have developed for the 737NG family.”
“WestJet clearly shares our enthusiasm and conviction toward reducing carbon emissions. This starts the journey today towards WestJet’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
The new partnership will allow Aero Design Labs to install and test its first of a kind Aerodynamic Drag Reduction System (ADRS1) onboard WestJet Bowing 737-700 aircraft, which will allow carrier to reduce its emission by reducing fuel consumption with drag adjustment.
With the system being tested, the first approved modified Boeing 737 aircraft with Aerodynamic Drag Reduction System (ADRS1) system is expected to take off as early as fall 2022.
WestJet has committed to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve net-zero carbon emission by year 2050.
The new partnership between WestJet and Aero Design Labs will allow carrier to achieve its target with further fleet implementation plans and validate data and efficiency findings.
