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Airlines Use New Tech to Fight High Fuel Costs

New technology may help airlines curb mounting fuel bills. Southwest and Continental Airlines have installed "winglets" -- or curled-up wing ends -- on some 737s. It's estimated the companies could save 100,000 gallons of fuel, per airplane, per year. As with many energy-saving technologies, the up-front costs aren't low, but the long-term savings may pay off for airlines.

Copyright 2005 NPR

Scott Horsley is NPR's Chief Economics Correspondent. He reports on ups and downs in the national economy as well as fault lines between booming and busting communities.
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