Seattle, USA / Dubai, UAE. December 6, 2010 – In less than two months since Aviation Partners, Inc. (API) announced it would begin taking orders for the Falcon 900 series Blended Winglets programs at the NBAA Convention formal commitments have already been received for 10 shipsets, with strong interest from other customers expected to result in additional commitments before year-end. API anticipates Falcon 900 Winglet certification in March 2011; the pre-STC kit price is US $575,000.
The Blended Winglets for the Falcon 900 series aircraft are similar to those currently certified for the Falcon 2000 Series, both as an API STC for in-service aircraft and incorporated in-production by Dassault on the Falcon 2000LX/900LX. API is also working toward certification of Winglets for the Falcon 50 series in Q3 2011.
“We have seen tremendous early demand for Winglets from the Falcon 900 operator community and expect delivery slots to be booked through the end of 2011 prior to certification; in fact this upgrade could quickly become our most successful business jet Winglet program based on the interest we have seen to date.” said Gary Dunn, API Vice President of Sales, “The increased range afforded the 900 series by Blended Winglets will be very attractive for aircraft in the Middle East and we have already seen interest from several operators in the region.”
The Winglets for the three major Falcon families are “High Mach” Blended Winglets – this revolutionary new design is optimized for cruise speeds of Mach .80 and higher. On the Falcon 2000 series aircraft the Winglets provide a drag reduction of 5 percent at Mach .80, and over 7 percent at Long Range Cruise, with the same incremental improvement expected on 900 and 50 series aircraft This drag reduction will provide a corresponding range increase on all models. API’s High Mach Blended Winglets have been retrofitted on more than 20 Falcon 2000 series aircraft to date, with several more in-work or scheduled for installation before year end; dozens more Winglet-equipped 2000LXs have been delivered by Dassault. These aircraft are becoming an increasingly common sight at FBOs around the world; with operators already enjoying increased range and fuel reserves, reduced fuel burn and emissions, and positioned to see a healthy return at resale.
“It is very bright for the future,” said Joe Clark, API founder and CEO, “these aircraft are built so well, and last so long, that companies who make continuous improvements to them by adding Blended Winglets will enhance their productivity and add value.”
The Winglets can currently be retrofitted to the Falcon 2000, 2000DX, 2000EX and 2000EX EASy by FAA and EASA approved STC. By mid-2011 this will be expanded to include the 900, 900B, 900C, 900DX, 900EX, 900EX EASy; with the 50 and 50EX models following later in the year. Installation is carried out through API’s network of authorized installers in North America and throughout the world. To learn more contact Gary Dunn at media@winglets.com or .
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