Friday, March 1, 2024
Today, Avelo Airlines disclosed its collaboration with Vortex Control Technologies (VCT) based in Seattle, to enhance its Boeing Next-Generation 737 fleet with the innovative Finlets technology, aimed at reducing fuel usage and emissions. These Finlets, attached to the rear section of the aircraft, are pioneering a shift towards more eco-friendly and efficient aviation practices among airlines that adopt this technology.
Avelo Airlines is leading the aviation industry by being the first to equip its 737-800 aircraft with Finlets and ranks second globally in their application on any type of aircraft.
The integration of VCT’s Finlets into Avelo’s fleet promises a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 1.4%. Currently, Finlets have been installed on seven out of Avelo’s 16 Boeing 737s. With the projection of outfitting its entire fleet, Avelo anticipates an annual decrease of 11 million pounds in carbon emissions and a savings of 560,000 gallons of fuel.
Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said, “We’ve set out to build a different and better kind of airline at Avelo. Investing in cost-saving innovations and technologies is a cornerstone of our business. We are excited to be the first airline in the world to install VCT Finlets on Boeing NG 737-800 aircraft. This investment will have a meaningful reduction in our annual fuel costs, while also significantly reducing our carbon footprint. It’s a win-win for our business and the planet. VCT is a great partner, and we are proud to have had the opportunity to collaborate with them on the development and testing of this game-changing innovation.”
Designed as a patented series of small fins on the aircraft’s rear fuselage, Finlets are engineered to alter air flow and minimize drag, thereby reducing fuel use and emissions, and simultaneously improving the aircraft’s range, performance, and durability. Their compact design and ease of installation allow for a quick retrofit process, taking less than a day per aircraft, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
VCT CEO Andrew G. Morgan said, “The FAA certification of Finlets on 737NGs is the culmination of over a decade long design effort involving wind tunnel testing, computational fluid dynamics, and comprehensive U.S. Air Force and FAA flight tests on the C-130, C-17 and 737NG aircraft. Avelo has been a terrific partner in this endeavor, and we look forward to assisting them in achieving their sustainability goals while also reducing costs.”
Avelo achieved its inaugural Finlet installation in September 2023 and plans to complete retrofitting its full fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737-700s and 737-800s by the year’s end.
Labelled as America’s Most Convenient Airline, Avelo was established with the mission to Inspire Travel by offering time and cost savings to its customers. Since its inception on April 28, 2021, Avelo has transported 4.2 million passengers across more than 30,000 flights, expanding its reach to 48 destinations across 23 states and Puerto Rico.
Avelo has introduced a new dimension of convenience, choice, and competition in the aviation sector by servicing primarily underserved communities through uncharted routes. The airline predominantly utilizes small, user-friendly airports to streamline and enhance the travel experience for its passengers.
Avelo stands out for its flexible travel policies, allowing passengers to alter or cancel their bookings without incurring additional fees. It ensures that every child aged 13 and under is automatically seated next to an adult guardian at no extra charge, promoting family-friendly travel. The airline also offers optional advanced seat selection, with a third of its seating designated as extra legroom options, ranging from 32 to over 36 inches, catering to those who prioritize additional space. Beyond seat selection, Avelo provides a variety of customizable travel options, including priority boarding and arrangements for pets in the cabin, allowing passengers to tailor their travel experience to their specific needs.
In terms of operational reliability, Avelo has set industry benchmarks. In 2023, it recorded the lowest flight cancellation rate among U.S. airlines and secured the second rank in punctuality. These achievements were highlighted by Anuvu’s data analytics platform, recognized for its role in The Wall Street Journal’s annual airline performance review, which acknowledges Avelo’s exclusion due to the publication’s criteria on airline size.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
