Athenian operator Gainjet is about to install auxiliary fuel tanks manufactured by Swiss company Long Range AG on its Boeing 737, as STC approval is currently pending with the FAA. “Long Range has been working on this tank project for a good three years now,” says ceo Ramsey Shaban. “It has carried out all the required testing and installation on a Boeing 737 fuselage section, and completed the necessary assembly and paperwork. The package is ready for installation on our B737-400, which is why we are moving ahead now. Another project for a B737-500 is running in parallel and is already fitted with four tanks.”

Shaban has been a supporter of the technology from the outset. “We decided that this was the way to go because other suppliers on the market have not delivered a complete quick-change package like Long Range is offering now.

“The systems being offered on the market lack flexibility, whereas the LR system meets all mission requirements with total flexibility. You can easily remove or install tanks within two or three hours, at any location.

“This system is ideal for us, and we believe it is what everybody will be using in the future. We also hope that manufacturers will go for it.”

The LR tanks are currently approved for Boeing 737s but the system can be adapted for any other type of aircraft. The fact that several manufacturers are developing business versions of airliners is good news for LR ceo Karl Lang.

Concludes Shaban: “We operate a Boeing 757 and needed a back-up solution. This current arrangement brings the range of the 737 more in line with the range of the 757, which means you are entering into a long range market with the classic 737. BBJs can certainly use these tanks as well.

“I am quite excited and enthusiastic regarding this develop-ment. I think that when the product hits the market, there is certainly going to be a lot of interest across the industry.”