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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.