Blended Winglet Technology Boosts International Ops Performance World Wide

Business Wire, March 26, 2001

Business Editors

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 25, 2001

Aviation Partners Blended Winglet System Makes

Great Airplanes Even Better

A quiet revolution has been taking place on the aerodynamic front with far-reaching impact for long-haul business aircraft operators. Ten years ago, Seattle-based Aviation Partners introduced the world to Blended Winglet Technology. Retrofitting these revolutionary wide-sweep winglets on the legendary Gulfstream II enabled operators to extend range 7%, boost initial cruise altitude by 2000 feet and improve overall handling characteristics while extending the economic life and productivity of flying assets.

To date, 106 Gulfstream II Blended Winglet shipsets ($520,000 installed in 10-14 days downtime) have been sold worldwide. Never before in the history of business aviation has an aerodynamic modification even approached the 7% payback IISP operators enjoy day in and day out.

"We've been extremely pleased with the market acceptance of our Blended Winglet Systems and we look forward to providing Performance Enhancing Technology to a wide range of business and commercial aircraft," says Aviation Partners CEO Joe Clark. "Historically, aircraft modifications have provided 1-2% performance benefits and entire aircraft have been redesigned to achieve 3-4% benefits. By investing in Blended Winglet Technology, operators not only achieve an immediate 7% payback but they've got a more internationally capable aircraft."

Aviation Partners Boeing, a joint venture with the Boeing Company established 3 years ago, can provide Blended Winglet Performance Enhancement Systems for every Boeing Business Jet sold. In addition, airline operators of Boeing 737-800 series equipment, including Hapag-Lloyd, Transavia, Air Berlin and South African Airways have embraced Blended Winglet Technology to enhance the range and productivity of their fleets.

"The fact that so many air carriers are investing in Blended Winglet Systems is a real affirmation of our technology," says Aviation Partners Vice President of Sales & Marketing Dick Friel. "We look forward to Performance Enhancing the remainder of the Gulfstream II fleet and unveiling a Blended Winglet System for the Raytheon Hawker 800 and other corporate jet aircraft this year."

Patent Number 5348253 www.aviationpartners.com

NBAA International Operators Conference `01