Winglets approved for Boeing 767-300BCF conversions

Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) received FAA approval for the installation of blended winglets on Boeing’s freighter-converted 767-300BCF. APB, which is a joint venture of Aviation Partners Inc and The Boeing Company, received certification for the installation of blended winglets on the 767-300ER and 767-300F in 2009. Until now, however, it has not been possible to modify a winglet-equipped -300ER to BCF configuration, nor to install winglets after BCF conversion.

APB says the installation of blended winglets on the 767-300ER (whether in passenger, production freighter, or BCF configuration) can extend the aircraft’s range by up to 320 nm, or increase the payload by as much as 16,000 pounds (7.26 tonnes). APB also said blended winglets can reduce the 767-300ER’s fuel burn by up to 500,000 gallons (1.89 million liters) per aircraft per year, although this obviously depends on total cycles and distance flown.

Blended winglets have so far been installed on 217 767-300ERs, including a small number of freighters, and APB has orders for installation on 15 more (all pax). Boeing has so far converted seven 767-300ERs to BCF freighter configuration (all for All Nippon Airways), while Bedek Aviation Group has converted eight 767-300ERs to BDSF freighter configuration (six operated by carriers owned by Air Transport Services Group, and one each operated by Euroatlantic Airways and Gestair).