Boeing Solution to Enable British Airways' Efficiency, Environmental Gain

MADRID, Spain, Sept. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) will provide a Performance Improvement Package for British Airways' 777 fleet that will result in a one percent fuel efficiency gain, along with the emission reductions that come with reduced fuel usage. The package will be applied to the airline's 42-airplane 777 fleet.

The 777 Performance Improvement Package is expected to reduce fuel spending per aircraft by about $200,000 annually (assuming $100 per barrel crude oil prices), according to Boeing estimates.

"Any cost-effective measures to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions are to be welcomed and we're pleased to be working with Boeing on this initiative across our 777 fleet," said Robert Boyle, commercial director, British Airways.

"Helping our customers operate their airplanes at optimum efficiency is at the heart of our lifecycle solutions," said Dan da Silva, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. "The 777 is among the most efficient, environmentally progressive airplanes in operation, but we must continue to pursue these performance gains."

The key elements of the 777 Performance Improvement Package are the addition of a drooped aileron and a ram air system. In addition, Boeing will provide redesigned wing vortex generators.

Boeing expects the package to be certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in 2009.

The 777 upgrade package is focused on the 777-200, -200ER and -300 models, accounting for more than 500 airplanes. The newer 777 models, the 777-200LR, -300ER and Freighter, incorporate the upgrades during factory production.

Boeing continues to work with customers to optimize fuel efficiency on its in-service fleet, through both aftermarket upgrades and operational improvements.