Latest Version Of The A320 Family Arrives In The Philippines

Cebu Pacific Air took delivery of its first A320 equipped with "Sharklets" today during a ceremony in Manila, becoming the first operator of the new fuel-saving wing tip devices in the Philippines.

"Sharklets" are wing-tip devices the Airbus says reduces fuel burn on the A320 by up to 4% on longer flights. They are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft, and are standard on all members of the A320neo Family. Cebu Pacific Air today operates 34 A320 Family aircraft, and has 48 more on order for future delivery, comprising 18 A320ceo and 30 A321neo.
 
“In line with our strategy to operate the youngest, most-modern fleet possible, we are delighted to become one of the first airlines in the world to introduce the A320 with 'Sharklets'," said Lance Gokongwei, CEB President and CEO. “Thanks to the four-percent fuel savings offered by the "Sharklets", we will further benefit from the A320 Family’s unbeatable operating costs, making sure we remain competitive by offering low fares, together with the most extensive route network, to our passengers.”
 
“Cebu Pacific is one of the great success stories in the Asian low cost market,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, Airbus. “The additional economic and environmental efficiencies offered by the "Sharklet"-fitted version of the A320 will enable the airline to benefit from even lower operating costs and further enhance its competitive position in the fast-growing Asian market.”
 
"Sharklets" are made from light-weight composites and are nearly eight feet tall. Airbus claims that by cutting airlines’ fuel bills by around four percent, "Sharklets" offer the flexibility to A320 Family operators of either adding around 100 nautical miles more range or allowing increased payload capability by nearly 1,000 pounds.

(Image provided by Airbus)

FMI: www.airbus.com