In an effort to reduce its soaring fuel costs, Hawaiian Airlines said it will invest more than $10 million in advanced-technology winglets for eight of its Boeing jets.

The state's largest airline said the new technology will save 300,000 gallons per year per aircraft and will pay for itself in about four years if fuel prices remain where they are.

"Being among the first airlines to install fuel-saving winglets on the Boeing 767-300ER aircraft is another important step in Hawaiian's strategy to be an industry leader in introducing innovations that keep cost down and help the environment," said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian's chief executive officer.

The 11-foot tall winglets will be attached to the end of each wing on the jets used on aircraft flying to the Mainland. The winglets will reduce drag, cut carbon dioxide emissions by 3,000 tons a year and lower fuel consumption by 5 percent.

Like all domestic airlines, Hawaiian has been hard-hit by soaring jet fuel prices. For the first six months this year, the company spent $214.3 million on fuel, which was up sharply from the year-earlier's $127.5 million.

While winglets are often used on smaller Boeing 737 aircraft, they are new for 767 models.

Aviation Partners Boeing, which manufactures the winglets, said it expects to receive Federal Aviation Administration certification for 767 aircraft in November.

Pending certification, Hawaiian said it expects to begin installing the winglets on the eight jets in September 2009. The airline said it has an option to purchase seven additional pairs of winglets for its fleet.