West Star Aviation’s Chattanooga, TN (CHA) facility was recently named as an Authorized API Winglet Installation Center for Falcon Aircraft. Specific models include F50, F900 and F2000 series aircraft.

The company’s East Alton, IL (ALN) and Grand Junction, CO (GJT) locations were already Authorized Installation Centers for API on the same models. The addition of the CHA facility brings the number to 3. API is actively expanding their installation facilities to better serve their customers.

“API’s winglet installation relationship with West Star goes back almost 20 years, starting with the Hawkers at Grand Junction in 2004, and more recently the Falcons at East Alton in 2010. We look forward to many more years of this great partnership, offering expanded slot availability to our mutual customers, as we bring Chattanooga online,” Gary Dunn, President, Aviation Partners.

API winglets for Falcon aircraft offer several benefits including increased range (up to 5% at Mach .80, 7% at LRC), improved climb (higher initial cruise altitude and faster time to climb). Currently, API winglet installations at West Star Aviation are estimated to take approximately 5 business weeks of downtime.

The addition of blended winglets is popular at the time of aircraft ownership change as new owners can take advantage of post-acquisition down time and financing opportunities. Other owners opt for the modification during C-checks, dry bay mods, avionics upgrades, interior refurbishment or as a stand-alone project.