A method and apparatus for drying a web, moving in a generally convex arc of no more than 90*, by impinging air from a plenum on the concave side of the web, without contacting the convex side of the web with air jets or other support means. The efficiency of the plenum is increased by employing a plenum with a generally convex profile facing the concave side of the web and directing impinging air on the web from groups of air jet means positioned on the generally convex profile of the plenum. Intermediate adjacent air jet groups, there is positioned on the plenum supplemental air discharging means for directing air at the concave side of the web at a volume and speed different from that discharged by the air jet means to control the position of the web relative the air jet means.