Delta Air Lines Chooses Split Scimitar Winglets for Efficiency

Delta Air Lines is rolling out split scimitar winglets across its fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft to enhance fuel efficiency. This decision marks a significant move for the airline, as it aims to modernize its fleet and reduce operational costs. The split scimitar winglet, a design introduced by Aviation Partners in 2014, is known for its ability to improve aerodynamics, leading to decreased fuel consumption.

Historically, the Boeing 737 was produced without winglets until the introduction of the 737 NG series. While winglets became common in the aviation industry, early models of the 737 NG were delivered without them. The partnership between Boeing and Aviation Partners allowed for the development of the blended winglet, which has since become a standard feature. The split scimitar winglet was designed to further enhance fuel efficiency, offering an estimated savings of 1–2% over the original blended winglet design.

Delta’s Fleet and Retrofits

As of now, Delta operates a fleet of 240 Boeing 737s, including the 737-800 and the 737-900ER. The airline is the largest operator of the 737-900ER, with 163 units in service. Delta’s decision to retrofit its fleet with split scimitar winglets began with the 737-900ERs, which are utilized for longer domestic routes, allowing the airline to save significantly on fuel costs.

In 2024, Delta announced plans to begin retrofitting its 77 Boeing 737-800 aircraft with split scimitar winglets as part of a broader initiative to upgrade the fleet’s interiors. The retrofitting process is ongoing, but a specific timeline for completion has not yet been disclosed. This move underscores Delta’s commitment to enhancing the operational efficiency of its older aircraft, despite their average age exceeding 24 years.

The addition of split scimitar winglets is particularly advantageous for Delta’s operational strategy, as fuel costs represent one of the airline’s largest expenses. By prioritizing retrofitting on the 737-900ERs, Delta has effectively optimized its longer routes, where the benefits of improved aerodynamics are most pronounced.

Comparative Analysis with Other Airlines

In the competitive landscape of U.S. airlines, Delta’s approach to winglet retrofitting stands out. Other major operators, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, have varying strategies regarding the installation of split scimitar winglets. Notably, American Airlines has yet to retrofit any of its 303 Boeing 737-800s with this technology, despite the fact that a portion of its fleet was delivered post-2014 when split scimitars became available.

Conversely, United Airlines has retrofitted its entire fleet of Boeing 737s with split scimitar winglets, while Southwest has equipped its 737-800 fleet but still operates many 737-700s with the older blended winglets. This discrepancy illustrates the diverse approaches airlines take to manage fuel costs and operational efficiency.

In conclusion, Delta Air Lines’ decision to adopt split scimitar winglets reflects a broader trend among airlines seeking to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce operating costs. While this technology may not yet be universally adopted, its increasing presence in the U.S. aviation market suggests a shift towards more sustainable operational practices. As Delta continues to retrofit its older aircraft, it positions itself competitively in an industry where fuel efficiency can significantly impact profitability.