Blended Winglet Technology Pays Off for International Operators; The Ultimate Winglet — A Success Story for Operators Worldwide

Business Wire, March 4, 2002

Business Editors

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 4, 2002

Over the past 10 years, Aviation Partners Inc. (API) and Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) have made Blended Winglet Technology a part of aviation history.

Today, more than 106 Gulfstream II business jets, more than 60 Boeing BBJs and more than 80 Next Generation Boeing 737s are equipped with distinctive, wind-sail like, Blended Winglet Systems.

"When we developed Blended Winglet Technology for the Gulfstream II, back in the early 90s, we were able to achieve a 7% drag reduction, over 200 nm additional range, higher initial cruise altitudes and improved handling characteristics through all phases of flight," says Aviation Partners Boeing CEO Joe Clark. "We soon realized that this technology would be equally effective when fitted to any business or commercial jet aircraft. Today, we're looking at retrofitting a potential universe of 10,500 Boeing transports with Blended Winglet Systems in addition to new business jet programs under development."

Winglets Make the Difference

Over the years, conventional angular winglets have never provided much of a performance benefit. API's aerodynamic "dream team," under former Chief Boeing Aerodynamicist Dr. Bernie Gratzer, challenged conventional wisdom by sizing and shaping winglet systems to achieve the maximum benefit for a particular airframe. The result, patented(Note A) wide-sweep Blended Winglet Technology, quickly revolutionized the science of wingtip aerodynamic optimization and captured the attention of airline and business jet operators the world over.

Ranging in size from 4-ft tall Blended Winglet Systems for the Raytheon Hawker 800 series, and 5.5-ft tall systems for the Gulfstream II, to 15-ft tall systems for the Boeing 747, this revolutionary technology offers equally dramatic results. One day soon, you'll see distinctive Blended Winglet Systems on aircraft all over the world.

"Airline and business jet operators who want to achieve the maximum efficiency and value from their flying assets will eventually migrate to the advantages of Blended Winglet Technology," predicts APB Vice President Marketing Dick Friel. "Those who don't adopt Blended Winglet Technology are really going to be behind the rest of the market."

To learn more about Blended Winglet Technology see www.aviationpartners.com or www.aviationpartnersboeing.com or talk to Vice President Marketing Dick Friel at the IOC show in Nashville March 11-14th.

(Note A) Patent No. 5348253