Tui Travel is moving to cut fuel costs with the introduction of new winglets on its Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
The “cutting edge” new Split Scimitar Winglets will result in annual savings of up to 200 metric tonnes of jet fuel per aircraft.
A corresponding cut in carbon emissions of up to 630 metric tonnes is also expected.
Tui operates fuel saving ‘blended winglets’ on all of 737-800s, reducing fuel burn by up to 5%.
The replacement winglets will save up to an additional 2%, bringing the total fuel saving for each aircraft up to 7% compared to aircraft without them.
The fuel savings can enable the aircraft to increase its payload by nearly 1,500 kg, or increase its range up to 60 nautical miles.
The first modified aircraft is due to start flying from January 2014, with the new winglets to be installed on 737-800s operated by in-house carriers across Europe including Thomson Airways, Arkefly, Jetairfly, TUIfly and TUIfly Nordic.
Group sustainable development director Jane Ashton said: “We aspire to sector leadership in sustainability and we are therefore always looking for ways to make our airlines even more efficient and to minimise our environmental impact.
“We are delighted that our airlines will be the first to commercially fly the new design of winglets for our Boeing next-generation 737- 800s.
“This further reduction in fuel burn and lower emissions helps to reinforce our commitment to sustainable travel. We are continually driving eco-efficiencies which have brought environmental and financial benefits.”