Polynesian Airlines First In Region To Take Boeing 737-800 With Winglets

Polynesian Airlines today celebrated the delivery of its first Boeing 737-800 with performance-enhancing blended winglets. The carrier will lease the new airplane from International Lease Finance Corporation.

Polynesian is the first airline in the South Pacific to fly the 737-800 with winglets that reduce drag and boost fuel efficiency.

Polynesian Airlines took delivery of its first 737-800 last November and will retrofit blended winglets on that airplane next month.

"The 737-800 features the latest in comfort and technology available in the market, and the winglets further enhance performance," said Richard Gates, managing director and chief executive officer of Polynesian Airlines. "The 737-800 has exceeded expectations for reliability and utilization, and we're anxious to add this newest partner to our fleet."

Since Polynesian's first 737-800 entered service in November 2000, it has maintained the highest utilization rate in the entire Boeing 737 fleet -- averaging more than 12.5 hours per day -- with a schedule reliability rate of nearly 100 percent.

"The superior design and technology of the Boeing 737 has set the industry standard for reliability, passenger comfort and operating efficiency in its class," said Doug Groseclose, Boeing senior vice president of International Sales.

Blended winglets have the potential to increase fuel efficiency (3.5- to 4-percent reduced fuel burn on missions greater than 1,000 nautical miles), increase range and improve takeoff performance, including greater lift capability. Other advantages include a reduction in noise near airports and lower engine-maintenance costs. Boeing developed the blended winglet technology in cooperation with Aviation Partners Inc.

Since 1959, Polynesian Airlines has become one of the Pacific's leading carriers, linking the Pacific Islands with international and regional destinations.