The following article discusses the purchase of the "fuelmizer" modification to the 737 flap system permitting the savings of approximately 4% on fuel use of 737-300 aircraft. This system while being purchased by Kitty Hawk is currently being tested by Southwest on a couple of aircraft. The test is to determine the "actual fuel savings" prior to the purchase. I ran across this article & thought folks might be interested in what SWA is doing to keep their energy costs in line through conservation.
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Kitty Hawk Aircargo, Inc. Announces Contract with AvAero For FuelMizer
Tuesday January 11, 11:05 am ET Kitty Hawk Aircargo Is The All-Cargo Launch Customer For AvAero's FuelMizer Modification
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 11, 2005--Dallas-based Kitty Hawk Aircargo, Inc., a subsidiary of Kitty Hawk, Inc. (AMEX:KHK - News) has executed a contract with Florida-based AvAero for FuelMizer modification kits for its new fleet of seven Boeing 737-300SF cargo aircraft. Specific terms were not disclosed, however, the agreement includes options for up to 13 additional aircraft. The first 737-300SF is scheduled for delivery to Kitty Hawk in a few weeks with remaining deliveries scheduled throughout 2005.
The FuelMizer is an FAA-approved modification that enhances aerodynamic effectiveness and improves the fuel efficiency of the Boeing 737-300SF. Based on engineering projections and actual test flights with other airlines, Kitty Hawk expects to realize as much as a four percent fuel savings. In typical use, the modification can reduce jet fuel consumption by thousands of gallons per year per aircraft. The FuelMizer modification will be installed at Kitty Hawk's DFW International Airport maintenance facility prior to each B737-300SF entering service.
"We are pleased to be both the launch customer for the freighter aircraft application for the FuelMizer, as well as the North American launch customer for the Boeing 737-300SF," said Robert W. Zoller, Kitty Hawk's president and CEO. "The 737-300SF is already an extremely efficient aircraft and that will be enhanced even further with the FuelMizer." "I'm impressed with the management team at Kitty Hawk and their decision to maximize their operational environment by installing the AvAero Fuel Reduction Modification," said Robert Finn, president of AvAero. "The addition of Boeing 737-300SF's equipped with the FuelMizer will reduce their fuel burn significantly and have a positive impact on their profitability."
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Life vests are being installed on the aircraft also to permit further overwater ops than are currently permitted. As has been previously discussed this will permit more direct routings along some eastern and gulf coast routings when direct flights are permitted. The new routings won't go into effect until '06 due to the time it takes to install the equipment and train crews. Some sample savings are below:
TPA-HOU 17 mins saved 209 gallons $292.60 savings ($1.40 per gallon)
ISP-FLL 16 mins saved 194 gallons $271.60
PBI-PHL 17 mins saved 224 gallons $313.60
It may not sound like much but again SWA is working to keep its costs down by being more efficient and increasing productivity...two themes of Gary Kelly that he has focused on & continues to focus on.....let the speculation begin on the Caribbean!!!!
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Kitty Hawk Aircargo, Inc. Announces Contract with AvAero For FuelMizer
Tuesday January 11, 11:05 am ET Kitty Hawk Aircargo Is The All-Cargo Launch Customer For AvAero's FuelMizer Modification
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 11, 2005--Dallas-based Kitty Hawk Aircargo, Inc., a subsidiary of Kitty Hawk, Inc. (AMEX:KHK - News) has executed a contract with Florida-based AvAero for FuelMizer modification kits for its new fleet of seven Boeing 737-300SF cargo aircraft. Specific terms were not disclosed, however, the agreement includes options for up to 13 additional aircraft. The first 737-300SF is scheduled for delivery to Kitty Hawk in a few weeks with remaining deliveries scheduled throughout 2005.
The FuelMizer is an FAA-approved modification that enhances aerodynamic effectiveness and improves the fuel efficiency of the Boeing 737-300SF. Based on engineering projections and actual test flights with other airlines, Kitty Hawk expects to realize as much as a four percent fuel savings. In typical use, the modification can reduce jet fuel consumption by thousands of gallons per year per aircraft. The FuelMizer modification will be installed at Kitty Hawk's DFW International Airport maintenance facility prior to each B737-300SF entering service.
"We are pleased to be both the launch customer for the freighter aircraft application for the FuelMizer, as well as the North American launch customer for the Boeing 737-300SF," said Robert W. Zoller, Kitty Hawk's president and CEO. "The 737-300SF is already an extremely efficient aircraft and that will be enhanced even further with the FuelMizer." "I'm impressed with the management team at Kitty Hawk and their decision to maximize their operational environment by installing the AvAero Fuel Reduction Modification," said Robert Finn, president of AvAero. "The addition of Boeing 737-300SF's equipped with the FuelMizer will reduce their fuel burn significantly and have a positive impact on their profitability."
_______________
Life vests are being installed on the aircraft also to permit further overwater ops than are currently permitted. As has been previously discussed this will permit more direct routings along some eastern and gulf coast routings when direct flights are permitted. The new routings won't go into effect until '06 due to the time it takes to install the equipment and train crews. Some sample savings are below:
TPA-HOU 17 mins saved 209 gallons $292.60 savings ($1.40 per gallon)
ISP-FLL 16 mins saved 194 gallons $271.60
PBI-PHL 17 mins saved 224 gallons $313.60
It may not sound like much but again SWA is working to keep its costs down by being more efficient and increasing productivity...two themes of Gary Kelly that he has focused on & continues to focus on.....let the speculation begin on the Caribbean!!!!
