Aviation Partners Inc.
Aviation Partners, Inc. (“API”) developed and patented the technology for engineered, vertically raked wingtips (or winglets). When added to commercial aircraft, winglets reduce the air flow vortex thereby reducing drag and increasing fuel efficiency by 4-5%. After successful test flights with a retrofitted Gulfstream II and adding the technology to the Boeing Business Jet, API sought to expand the winglet technology to a broader market.
RA Capital Advisors advised on and assisted with the negotiation and formation of Aviation Partners Boeing (“APB”), a joint venture with The Boeing Corporation formed to offer blended winglets for Boeing aircraft. RA Capital Advisors was instrumental in all aspects of the joint venture including Board representation in the critical development period.
Winglet technology has since been fully integrated into the Boeing Next Generation 737 product line and several other retrofit models including the 767 and 757. Almost every domestic and international carrier that operates a Boeing 737 utilizes API/APB winglets on their aircraft.
