WASHINGTON D.C. — Aero Design Labs (ADL) and Delta Air Lines have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) firming their partnership to certify the Boeing 737-800 and 737-900 aircraft with Dallas-based company's ADRS drag reduction kits.
The certification program on the 737-800 is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2023, followed by the 737-900 in the second half of 2023. This is a mutual commitment by Delta Air Lines and Aero Design Labs to pursue measurable carbon reduction benefits across the Delta Air Lines 737NG fleet. The MOU provides Delta Air Lines with the option to purchase up to 211 Aero Design Labs ADRS kits.
"Delta is excited to expand our partnership with ADL to test and certify both the 737-900ER and 737-800NG drag reduction kits, continuing our investment in fuel efficiency and sustainability improvements," Mahendra Nair, Senior Vice President, TechOps Operations & Supply Chain Management, said.
"Delta Air Lines has a proven history of leading the industry in innovation, and we are proud to formalize our agreement and partner in the process of achieving FAA certification. This is a partnership formed by Delta Air Lines and Aero Design Labs to contribute to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) net zero 2050 Carbon reduction targets," Chris Jones, Chief Commercial Officer of Aero Design Labs, said.
ADL received its first STC in May 2022 for the 737-700 in conjunction with WestJet Airlines. ADL intends to certify its kits in other geographic regions following approval by the Federal Aviation Administration.
The company has been covertly developing the aerodynamic drag-reduction system (ADRS-1) kit since 2017. ADL is now coming out of stealth mode to supply initial kits for the 737-700 in the coming months and is aiming for clearance for the upgrade on the 737-800/-900 by year-end.
