Hong Kong-based HAECO has completed its first split scimitar winglet modification for a Boeing 737-800, which is aimed to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

A C-check was also carried out on the Virgin Australia narrowbody on its visit to the HAECO facility at Hong Kong International Airport. 

A photo from the MRO provider shows the modified 737-800 is registered VH-YIT. The Aviation Week Network Fleet Discovery database shows the aircraft is 9.4 years old and has clocked up 27,791 hours in 9531 cycles. Virgin Australia has 76 Boeing 737 NG series aircraft, which range in age from four to 18 years old.

In 2019, Virgin Australia said it would retrofit five 737-800s with the winglets, which are estimated to save 160,000 kg (353,000 lb.) of fuel—equal to approximately 200,000 litres (53,000 gal.)—annually. The aircraft will be used primarily for flights to Bali, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

As a Boeing-authorized modification center, HAECO says it has completed over 110 winglet modifications across 737NG, 757 and 767 series aircraft.