Some handy tips for flying to Europe
Winglets on 757s would let American increase overseas flights
10:26 PM CDT on Thursday, July 7, 2005
By ERIC TORBENSON / The Dallas Morning News
American Airlines Inc., seeking to accelerate its expansion of international flying, appears to be close to buying winglets for its Boeing 757s that would allow the planes to fly from New York to Europe.
The winglets – small, nearly vertical airfoils installed at the wingtips to reduce drag – would give American 757-200s as much as 200 extra miles of range and save 150,000 gallons of fuel per plane each year.
That could help American shift some of the mix of its flying from domestic routes, where it faces stiff competition from low-cost carriers, to overseas flights, which are more lucrative because average fares are higher.
Fort Worth-based American, the world's largest carrier, already uses its 757s to fly from Boston to Manchester, England, and to Shannon, Ireland, and has been pleased with the results.
American is definitely looking at buying winglets for its 757s, said Tim Wagner, an airline spokesman. "We haven't made a decision yet," he said. "We're looking to maximize our aircraft capabilities."
Aviation Partners Boeing has been working with American officials for four years, said Dick Friel, senior vice president of marketing for the Seattle firm that sells the kits.
"I think we're getting pretty close" with American, he said.
The carrier has shopped for winglets on its fleet of 77 Boeing 737-800s, but the interest of late has been for winglets on some or all of its 143 Boeing 757-200s. "We're eager to get something done with them," Mr. Friel said.
Pilots' approval
The word about the likely changes has spread through American's pilots' union. While unable to comment on the potential change, Allied Pilots Association New York domicile chairman Sam Mayer said his pilots would welcome the new aircraft.
"Any additional flying that goes anywhere is a good thing," he said. Rumors about the winglets have been rampant, and the pilots are eager to hear about the potential changes, he said. "It's good to see the trend line reversing."
The modified planes are likely to be flown from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, where American has invested millions of dollars in terminal upgrades.
Countering Continental
That would put American in competition for European travelers in the world's top air market with Houston-based Continental Airlines Inc., which has an international hub at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.
Continental is the launch customer for the 757 winglets, technology that was approved only last month by regulators.
Continental has added 11 international routes so far this year, including seven from Newark. Four Newark routes are being flown by 757s, spokesman David Messing said.
One analyst applauded American's likely move.
"People want to fly directly instead of connecting to Europe," said Roger King of Credit Sights in New York. The 757 aircraft would help American fly the plane to smaller European markets. But Continental provides formidable competition from Newark, he noted.
With crude oil prices over $60 per barrel, fuel-saving winglets are increasingly popular. Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. uses them on its Boeing 737s.
Winglets on 757s would let American increase overseas flights
10:26 PM CDT on Thursday, July 7, 2005
By ERIC TORBENSON / The Dallas Morning News
American Airlines Inc., seeking to accelerate its expansion of international flying, appears to be close to buying winglets for its Boeing 757s that would allow the planes to fly from New York to Europe.
The winglets – small, nearly vertical airfoils installed at the wingtips to reduce drag – would give American 757-200s as much as 200 extra miles of range and save 150,000 gallons of fuel per plane each year.
That could help American shift some of the mix of its flying from domestic routes, where it faces stiff competition from low-cost carriers, to overseas flights, which are more lucrative because average fares are higher.
Fort Worth-based American, the world's largest carrier, already uses its 757s to fly from Boston to Manchester, England, and to Shannon, Ireland, and has been pleased with the results.
American is definitely looking at buying winglets for its 757s, said Tim Wagner, an airline spokesman. "We haven't made a decision yet," he said. "We're looking to maximize our aircraft capabilities."
Aviation Partners Boeing has been working with American officials for four years, said Dick Friel, senior vice president of marketing for the Seattle firm that sells the kits.
"I think we're getting pretty close" with American, he said.
The carrier has shopped for winglets on its fleet of 77 Boeing 737-800s, but the interest of late has been for winglets on some or all of its 143 Boeing 757-200s. "We're eager to get something done with them," Mr. Friel said.
Pilots' approval
The word about the likely changes has spread through American's pilots' union. While unable to comment on the potential change, Allied Pilots Association New York domicile chairman Sam Mayer said his pilots would welcome the new aircraft.
"Any additional flying that goes anywhere is a good thing," he said. Rumors about the winglets have been rampant, and the pilots are eager to hear about the potential changes, he said. "It's good to see the trend line reversing."
The modified planes are likely to be flown from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, where American has invested millions of dollars in terminal upgrades.
Countering Continental
That would put American in competition for European travelers in the world's top air market with Houston-based Continental Airlines Inc., which has an international hub at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.
Continental is the launch customer for the 757 winglets, technology that was approved only last month by regulators.
Continental has added 11 international routes so far this year, including seven from Newark. Four Newark routes are being flown by 757s, spokesman David Messing said.
One analyst applauded American's likely move.
"People want to fly directly instead of connecting to Europe," said Roger King of Credit Sights in New York. The 757 aircraft would help American fly the plane to smaller European markets. But Continental provides formidable competition from Newark, he noted.
With crude oil prices over $60 per barrel, fuel-saving winglets are increasingly popular. Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. uses them on its Boeing 737s.
