Ethiopian Airlines launches split scimitar winglets in Northern Africa

Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) has announced that Ethiopian Airlines has become the first operator in Northern Africa of its latest Split Scimitar Winglet technology which was completed on March 20,2018 at its MRO in Addis Ababa.

According to Sales Director of APB, Christopher Stafford "Ethiopian Airlines recognizes the importance of investing in their fleet and is taking steps to be the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly airline in Africa," adding that "With the installation of the Split Scimitar Winglet System, not only will Ethiopian Airlines show its environmental stewardship, but the fuel savings and additional payload on long haul routes will significantly improve the operating economics of the Boeing Next Generation 737-700 and 737-800 models."

The Split Scimitar Winglet System will reduce Ethiopian Airline's annual fuel requirements by more than 275,000 liters per aircraft, and their carbon dioxide emissions by over 700 tonnes per aircraft per year.

"As the leading carrier in Africa, Ethiopian has always been spearheading the introduction of aviation technology into the continent. The planned installation of the Split Scimitar Winglets is yet another testimony to our technology leadership in Africa's aviation industry," says Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Ato Tewolde Gebremariam.

"Currently, we operate 8 Boeing Next-Generation 737-700s and 16 Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft. Once these airplanes are fitted with the newest winglets and enter operation, we will benefit a lot in terms of fuel efficiency, which in turn will take our environmental protection efforts one step ahead." he added

Ethiopian Airlines is largest and fastest growing airline on the African continent and wholly owned by the government of Ethiopia.

In its seventy plus years of operation, Ethiopian has become one of the continent's leading carriers, unrivaled in efficiency and operational success.

It is the first airline to introduce the ultra-modern Boeing 787-8 aircraft into Africa and also operates a mix of modern airplanes with an average fleet age of five years.