Boeing Next-Generation 737 Performance Improvement Package Delivers on Promise to Cut Fuel Burn

Press release:

Customers validate improvements on package's first anniversary

RENTON, Wash., July 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Customers of Boeing's [NYSE: BA] Next-Generation 737 are validating the benefits of the industry-leading Performance Improvement Package (PIP), one year after the first airplane PIP airplane was delivered. PIP combines aerodynamic and engine performance improvements to reduce fuel burn by up to 2 percent and is part of the continuous innovation on the world's best-selling airplane. More than 420 Next-Generation 737s have now been delivered with PIP.

"The Performance Improvement Package has contributed to a remarkable fuel mileage improvement compared to the non-PIP airplanes," said Takeshi Katsurada, vice president of flight operations engineering for Japan Airlines. "We can validate its improvement through each delivery flight performance monitoring and also daily flight operations monitoring to the extent of more than 2 percent fuel mileage improvement."

Elements of the performance improvement package, provided at no charge to customers, have been gradually introduced on the 737 over the past year. They include aerodynamic-shaped anti-collision lights, streamlined slat and spoiler trailing edges, ski-jump wheel well fairings re-contoured to smooth the air flow near the main landing gear, and enhancements to the CFM engine. A re-contoured plug and cutback nozzle completed the propulsion portion of the performance improvement package. The final element of the package, a redesigned environmental control system exhaust vent, is scheduled for mid-2013.

"These improvements are important for our airline customers," said Beverly Wyse, vice president and general manager of the 737 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The improved fuel savings are part of our commitment to deliver market-leading value to Next-Generation 737 customers. Improving fuel efficiency by 2 percent saves more than $120,000 annually on each airplane and reduces the carbon footprint."

Boeing began performance improvement testing in November 2010 with the goal of reducing fuel consumption by up to 2 percent.

"Our latest tests have shown that aircraft, which incorporate the Performance Improvement Package, provide flydubai with up to 1.6 percent reduced fuel burn over non-PIP aircraft," said Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai. "With a growing fleet, any savings we can make towards our fuel costs are positive from both a financial and environmental perspective. We look forward to Boeing introducing the final part of the package, which will provide us with even greater fuel savings."

Norfolk Southern Deploys Renewable Diesel

News release from Norfolk Southern:

February 14, 2012

Norfolk Southern pens deal with Dynamic Fuels and Mansfield Oil
Norfolk Southern becomes first fleet user in the U.S. to deploy clean renewable diesel

NORFOLK, VA. - Dynamic Fuels, LLC and Mansfield Oil Company have signed an agreement to supply renewable diesel to Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE / NSC), one of the nation’s largest transporters of coal and industrial products. Norfolk Southern has primarily been using a 100% pure Dynamic Fuels renewable diesel at its Meridian, Mississippi rail yard since early January.

Dynamic Fuels, a 50/50 venture owned by Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE / TSN) and Syntroleum Corporation (NASDAQ / SYNM), recently signed commercial off-take and strategic alliance agreements with Mansfield to market renewable diesel to fleet customers. Dynamic Fuels, operator of the first commercial advanced biofuels plant in the United States, produces next-generation renewable and synthetic fuels from animal fats and greases. The company’s Geismar, La., plant produces renewable diesel as “drop in” fuel that can replace 100% of petroleum diesel in a diesel engine without engine modification.

“Norfolk Southern is pleased to be the first fleet user of renewable diesel in the United States,” said Gerhard Thelen, Norfolk Southern vice president operations planning and support. “Our locomotive engines are completely compatible with the pure renewable diesel provided by Dynamic Fuels and Mansfield. Together, they have provided seamless integration of renewable diesel supply into our Meridian, Miss., yard. Norfolk Southern has been at the forefront of the railroad industry in evaluating synthetic and renewable diesel fuels for many years. This effort exemplifies Norfolk Southern’s commitment to reducing carbon and other emissions, while further integrating sustainability throughout the operations of the company.”

“The contract with Norfolk Southern is the first manifestation of Dynamic Fuels’ partnership with Mansfield,” said Ron Stinebaugh, senior vice president of Syntroleum Corporation. "We look forward to working with Norfolk Southern to lower their emissions and increase the renewable content of the fuel they burn. Renewable diesel is a sustainable, ultra clean burning, high cetane fuel that reduces carbon emissions and significantly reduces particulates and NOx when combusted in existing diesel engines. Supplying a prestigious company like Norfolk Southern validates our belief that customers are looking for renewable options that increase sustainability and lower emissions without sacrificing fuel quality.”

Doug Haugh, president of Mansfield Oil Company added, “Mansfield and Norfolk Southern have had a strong relationship on the refined products side and we’re excited to supply them with a next-generation fuel like renewable diesel. We believe Dynamic Fuels is a leader in renewable diesel production and our partnership affords us the opportunity to further diversify our portfolio of transportation fuels for our customers.”

Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.

About Mansfield Oil Company
Ranked as one of the Top 50 privately held companies in America by Forbes magazine and a multiple category finalist in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 Platts Global Energy Awards, Mansfield defines the next generation transportation fuels company. Founded in 1957, the company has achieved double-digit growth for three decades by focusing on optimizing and controlling fuel-related costs for its customers using innovation, technology and high touch service. For more information, visitwww.mansfieldoil.com.

About Tyson Foods 
Tyson Foods, Inc., founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and more than 130 countries. The company has approximately 115,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. The Tyson Foods, Inc. logo is available athttp://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3224.

About Syntroleum 
Syntroleum Corporation owns the Syntroleum® Process for Fischer-Tropsch (FT) conversion of synthesis gas derived from biomass, coal, natural gas and other carbon-based feedstocks into liquid hydrocarbons, the Synfining® Process for upgrading FT liquid hydrocarbons into middle distillate products such as synthetic diesel and jet fuels, and the Bio-Synfining(R) technology for converting animal fat and vegetable oil feedstocks into middle distillate products such as renewable diesel and jet fuel using inedible fats and greases as feedstock. The 50/50 venture -- known as Dynamic Fuels -- was formed to construct and operate multiple renewable synthetic fuels facilities, with production on the first site beginning in 2010. The Company plans to use its portfolio of technologies to develop and participate in synthetic and renewable fuel projects. For additional information, visit the Company's web site at www.syntroleum.com.

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