Why Do Airplane Wings Bend Upward?

The curved shape of an aircraft wing, known as a winglet, helps to reduce the amount of drag created by the wingtip vortices. Since the 1980s, winglets have been a major part of future aircraft designs. For some old aircraft, winglets were fitted after the planes introduction into the market.

Winglets are a proven way to reduce drag, save fuel, cut carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, and reduce community noise. This helps the operating airlines save money by decreasing the amount of fuel consumed, as well as landing charges at airports.