First In Latin America To Receive Modified Airplane

Colombia-based airline Avianca has taken delivery of its first "Sharklet" equipped A320 becoming the first Latin American carrier to begin flying an A320 equipped with the wing-tip devices. The airplane, powered by CFM engines, was delivered in Toulouse, France.

"Sharklets" are made from light-weight composites and are just under eight feet tall. They are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft, and Airbus says they allow its customers to reduce fuel burn by up to four per cent and CO2 emissions by approximately 1,000 tons per aircraft and year. Airbus says the wing modifications offer operators the flexibility of either adding an additional 100 nautical miles range or increased payload capability.

"With the delivery of this new aircraft equipped with "Sharklets", Avianca advances the process of modernizing its fleet, while improving efficiency, reducing fuel burn and increasing range," said Fabio Villegas, CEO of Avianca.
 
“With the "Sharklets", Avianca will be the first airline in the region to benefit from much lower operating costs,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “In addition, Avianca’s passengers can fly assured that they are travelling on board the world’s most eco-efficient single aisle aircraft.”

(Image provided by Airbus)

FMI: www.airbus.com