My wingtip is fancier - and better - than yours says Virgin Australia

Geoffrey Thomas

By Geoffrey Thomas Thu Aug 8, 2019

My wingtip is fancier - and better - than yours says Virgin Australia. That is the boast from Virgin Australia as it unveils its first 737 with Split Scimitar Winglets, which will deliver both economic and environmental benefits. Split Scimitar Winglets improve the fuel efficiency of the aircraft by reducing the drag created at the end of the wingtip and by distributing the lift of the aircraft more evenly across the whole wing. WATCH: Stunning video of the Boeing 777X interior WATCH: How would you rate this incredible pilot Virgin Australia Acting Chief Operations Officer, Stuart Aggs said: “The Split Scimitar Winglet uses existing blended winglet technology but adds new aerodynamic Scimitar tips, designed in a sideways V shape, further increasing the efficiency of the aircraft and reducing the amount of fuel we burn and cutting our carbon emissions. “With fuel being one of the largest costs for airlines, we’re attracted to the benefits the winglets can provide. The fuel benefits increase with sector length so we’ll be retro-fitting the winglets to five of our Boeing 737 NG aircraft currently operating services to destinations like Fiji, New Zealand, Bali and the Pacific Islands. “We’ve estimated the winglets will save us, approximately 160,000 kilograms of fuel, which equates to 200,000 litres and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of approximately 515 tonnes, per aircraft, per year. That’s the equivalent of planting 7,725 trees, just from one aircraft’s annual savings. “We’re proud to be the first Australian airline to introduce the winglets and continue to find ways to reduce our impact on the environment and be a more socially responsible airline,” Mr Aggs said. The technology developed by Aviation Partners Boeing, is being used by many airlines globally who are reaping the economic and environmental benefits of the winglets.

Have questions or want to share your thoughts?

Comments

No comments yet, be the first to write one.

Latest news and reviews

View more
The world's best economy class is getting even better
Airline News

The world's best economy class is getting even better

Apr 16, 2026

Sharon Petersen
flyadeal unveils its A330neo cabin configuration
Airline News

flyadeal unveils its A330neo cabin configuration

Apr 15, 2026

Josh Wood
Virgin Atlantic accelerates fleet-wide Starlink rollout
Airline News

Virgin Atlantic accelerates fleet-wide Starlink rollout

Apr 15, 2026

Josh Wood
Qantas’ Project Sunrise a step closer as engines fitted to first A350-1000ULR
Airline News

Qantas’ Project Sunrise a step closer as engines fitted to first A350-1000ULR

Apr 14, 2026

Josh Wood

Featured articles

View more
World's Best Airline Cabin Awards 2026
Airline News

World's Best Airline Cabin Awards 2026

Mar 18, 2026

Airline Ratings
Air India 787 crash: new evidence seemingly clears pilots
Airline News

Air India 787 crash: new evidence seemingly clears pilots

Apr 13, 2026

Josh Wood
World's Best Airlines for 2026 by Airline Ratings
Airline News

World's Best Airlines for 2026 by Airline Ratings

Mar 18, 2026

Airline Ratings
Qatar Airways is named World's Best Airline for 2026 by AirlineRatings
Awards

Qatar Airways is named World's Best Airline for 2026 by AirlineRatings

Mar 18, 2026

Airline Ratings