Jet2 Completes B737-800 Split Scimitar Winglet Retrofit Program

UK-based leisure carrier Jet2 has concluded a multi-year program to retrofit its entire fleet of 74 Boeing 737-800 aircraft with advanced winglets. The modification, involving the installation of Split Scimitar Winglets, is projected to reduce the airline's annual fuel consumption by more than 11 million litres and cut carbon emissions by over 28,000 tonnes. This Jet2 winglet retrofit program is a key component of the airline's broader fleet modernization and sustainability initiatives.

The completion of the project marks a significant milestone in the airline's efforts to enhance the fuel efficiency of its Boeing 737 Next Generation (737NG) fleet. The airline states the upgrade will decrease fuel burn by up to 1.5% per aircraft, a crucial saving for an airline operating an extensive network of short- to medium-haul routes. This focus on aerodynamic efficiency for existing airframes reflects a growing industry trend of maximizing the operational life and environmental performance of current-generation aircraft.

Fleet Enhancement Details

The two-year retrofit project was carried out in partnership with Aviation Partners Boeing (APB), a joint venture that develops and markets winglet technology for Boeing aircraft. The Split Scimitar Winglet is an enhancement of the widely adopted Blended Winglet, adding a new scimitar-tipped ventral strake that further reduces aerodynamic drag. By optimizing the airflow around the wingtip, the design reduces the induced drag, which in turn lowers the required engine thrust and, consequently, fuel consumption.

This investment is part of a comprehensive strategy to improve operational efficiency. David Neill, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director at Jet2, commented on the program's completion. “This multi-million pound investment in our fleet is the latest demonstration of our firm commitment to taking tangible actions that reduce our environmental impacts,” Neill stated. “This innovative winglet technology from APB is playing a major role in helping us reduce emissions and is just one of the many steps we are taking on our ambitious sustainability strategy.”

A Broader Sustainability Strategy

The winglet installation program is a tactical element within Jet2's larger strategic objective of decarbonization. According to the company's official sustainability strategy, Jet2 aims to reduce its carbon emissions per revenue paying passenger kilometer (gCO2/RPK) by 35% in 2035 compared to its 2019 baseline. The airline's 2019 baseline was 67g CO2/RPK, with a 2035 target of reducing this figure to 43.55g CO2/RPK.

While retrofitting provides immediate benefits, the cornerstone of Jet2's long-term emissions reduction plan is comprehensive fleet modernization. The carrier has a firm order for 155 Airbus A321neo aircraft. New-generation aircraft like the A321neo can offer up to 20% lower CO2 emissions per seat compared to previous generation models, representing the single most effective tool for airlines to reduce their carbon footprint. The combination of retrofitting existing assets and investing in new technology provides a two-pronged approach to achieving its environmental goals.

Industry Trend: Bridging the Efficiency Gap

Jet2's decision to upgrade its 737-800s aligns with a wider industry trend where carriers are investing in aerodynamic improvements for older airframes. This strategy serves as a bridge, enhancing efficiency and reducing emissions until older aircraft can be fully replaced by newer, more efficient models like the Airbus A320neo family or Boeing 737 MAX. For many airlines, the economic and logistical realities mean that phasing out an entire fleet of 737NGs takes years, making investments in retrofits a financially sound decision.

Another major European low-cost carrier, Ryanair, is undertaking a similar initiative, investing $175 million to install Split Scimitar Winglets on over 400 of its Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This parallel action underscores the proven effectiveness of the APB technology and the shared strategy among operators of large 737NG fleets to extract maximum efficiency from these workhorse aircraft before their eventual retirement.

Why This Matters

This completed retrofit program highlights a pragmatic and increasingly vital approach to airline sustainability. While new aircraft orders capture headlines, incremental efficiency gains on existing fleets are critical for near-term emissions reduction. Jet2's dual strategy of retrofitting its 737-800s while inducting new A321neos demonstrates a balanced approach to capital investment and environmental responsibility. For the highly competitive European leisure market, such fuel efficiency improvements translate directly into both lower costs and a reduced carbon footprint, strengthening the airline's operational and market position.

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