The FAA has granted Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for Aviation Partners Boeing's 'blended winglets' currently offered on the BBJ. This means that Boeing will henceforth offer blended winglets as standard equipment on the BBJ.

"This is the first time our blended winglet technology has ever been certified on a large jetliner," said Joe Clark, ceo of Aviation Partners and Aviation Partners Boeing.

A Boeing spokesman added: "Besides giving the BBJ a distinctive appearance, the winglets create more efficient flight characteristics in cruise, as well as during take-off and climb-out.

This translates into approximately 300nm of additional range with the same fuel and payload.

"Under certain conditions, BBJ customers may also be able to take advantage of the improved take-off performance provided by the winglets by loading up to 4,000 pounds more payload."

Boeing premiered the blended winglet-equipped BBJ at this summer's Farnborough air show in the UK and will have the aircraft on static display this October, at the NBAA's annual convention in New Orleans.