Why Boeing’s 737 MAX features large AT winglets for improved efficiency

Boeing offers similar upgrades for older aircraft through retrofit programs. Aviation Partner Boeing (APB) provides Split Scimitar Winglets for 737 NGs at prices starting from $430,000 per aircraft. Airlines such as Delta Air Lines have reported annual savings of millions of gallons of fuel after retrofitting their fleets with these winglets. Flydubai noted reductions in both fuel use and CO2 emissions per aircraft each year, while Transavia observed increased range after installing the new winglets.

Retrofitting is not limited to the 737 family; APB also supplies blended winglet upgrades for other Boeing models like the 757 and 767. These modifications can yield up to a 4% reduction in fuel burn depending on flight length and have been shown to increase operational range by around 5%. However, retrofitting older aircraft can be more expensive due to necessary structural changes.

Airbus has adopted similar technologies on its widebody jets under different names—such as "Sharklets"—and has explored advanced concepts like semi-aeroelastic hinged wingtips through its AlbatrossONE project. This technology allows wingtips to move during flight for optimal aerodynamic performance and may be included in future Airbus single-aisle aircraft designs.

Despite proposed enhancements like those pitched for the A380plus program—which promised further efficiency gains—the A380 line ended production in December 2021 after limited market interest.

The evolution of winglet technology across manufacturers reflects ongoing efforts in commercial aviation to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and manage operating costs while working within regulatory limits and existing infrastructure constraints.