A new development in aircraft construction: Qantas is upgrading part of its fleet with new wings
Australian airline Qantas is implementing a new environmental initiative by modernizing more than a quarter of its Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The upgrade includes the installation of split scimitar winglets, which significantly improve fuel efficiency.
This is a new generation of wing design that differs from the traditional blended winglets used in the 737 Next Generation family, writes Simple Flying.
The new winglets reduce aerodynamic drag, save fuel, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Qantas clearly demonstrated the difference between the two types of winglets in a special video, which also showed the installation process.
The modernization started in Brisbane and will cover 23 aircraft. According to media reports, it will take more than 400 hours to install and test one aircraft, a process that will span several days. The airline plans to complete the modernization by 2026.
The upgraded wings are expected to help Qantas reduce CO2 emissions by 8,000 tons annually, contributing to the airline's industry-wide goal of achieving zero emissions by 2050.