Airbus Claims Up To Four Per Cent Fuel Burn Savings From The Wingtip Devices

India's largest airline IndiGo has taken delivery of its first A320 aircraft equipped with "Sharklet" fuel saving wing tip devices, becoming the first Indian carrier to do so. "Sharklets" are newly designed wing-tip devices that Airbus says improve the aircraft’s aerodynamics and significantly cut the airline’s fuel burn and emissions by four per cent on longer sectors.

"Sharklets" are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft, and standard on all members of the A320neo Family. They offer the flexibility to A320 Family operators of either adding around 100 nautical miles more range or allowing increased payload capability. All future A320 aircraft to be delivered to IndiGo shall be fitted with the "Sharklet" wing tip devices.
 
“In little over six years since we began operating, our low fares and high service ethos at IndiGo has enabled us to grow to become India’s largest domestic carriers. We already operate one of the world’s youngest most fuel efficient fleets and our investment in "Sharklets" will help reduce our fuel consumption even further,” said Aditya Ghosh, IndiGo’s President.
 
IndiGo placed an order for 100 A320 aircraft in 2005. In addition IndiGo was the first Indian airline to order the NEO with a contract for 150 A320neo and 30 A320s placed in 2011. “With high fuel prices and with a four per cent fuel burn reduction, IndiGo’s investment in the "Sharklet" will pay handsome dividends," said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer – Customers.
 
IndiGo, is an all Airbus operator and the largest low cost airline in India today. It began operations in 2006 and has a fleet of 62 A320s today. So far IndiGo’s cumulative order for Airbus aircraft is for 280 A320 Family aircraft including 130 A320neo.

(Image provided by Airbus)

FMI: www.airbus.com