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Jet
Aviation's maintenance facility in Basel has successfully concluded
its first retrofit installation of Split Scimitar Winglets (SSWs) on
a BBJ1.
The
SSW retrofit was completed with EASA-approved Supplemental Type
Certification (STC).
Split Scimitar Winglets technology is unique in that it builds on
the existing Blended Winglet design to provide a range increase of
more than two percent, further providing a striking new appearance
without increasing the wing span. The retrofit relies on a patented
design from Aviation Partners, Inc. (API) that involves adding a new
Scimitar-tipped large Ventral Strake, reinforcing the internal wing
and winglet structure, and replacing the winglet tips with new
aerodynamically shaped Scimitar tips. Seattle-based API is the
exclusive provider of SSWs for all BBJ, BBJ 2 and BBJ 3 aircraft.
“One of our top priorities at Jet
Aviation is to promote our employees’ understanding of and training
in advanced aviation technology,” says
Neil Boyle,
Jet Aviation senior vice president and general manager of its
operations in Basel. “We have been working closely with personnel
from Aviation Partners to gain experience and proficiency with the
SSW retrofit to ensure we meet customer requirements and the highest
business aviation standards. We look forward to supporting more
Boeing aircraft owners and operators with SSW retrofits in the
future - whether in conjunction with routine maintenance, an
interior refurbishment, a green completion or as a standalone
installation.”
Currently equipped on all new delivery Boeing 737 NG BBJs, the
Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the SSW retrofit is both
FAA and EASA approved for all in-service BBJ, BBJ 2 and BBJ 3
aircraft.
According to Jet Aviation’s Large
Aircraft Maintenance Director,
Estelle Thorin,
the company has been busy adding many new capabilities to its site
in Basel. “Our new Honeywell APU Overhaul system went live last
year, and our Refurbishment, Modifications and Upgrades (RMU)
division has also been very active, particularly in regard to new
avionics upgrades and connectivity developments,” says Thorin. “Time
is paramount to our clients and we continually strive to expand our
capabilities to ensure the latest technologies are available as
quickly as possible.” |
