The Letter Of Intent Includes 110 Ship-Sets Of The Wingtip Devices For The Airline's In-Service A320 Aircraft

JetBlue Airways has signed a letter of intent with Airbus to acquire 110 ship-sets of retrofit "Sharklets" for the airline's in-service A320 aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to start in 2014. Just last week, JetBlue Airways unveiled the first of its A320 aircraft to be outfitted with "Sharklets" ... newly designed wing tip devices that are expected to improve the aerodynamics of Airbus aircraft and significantly cut fuel burn and emissions by up to four percent.

"Airbus has been a tremendous partner in developing the "Sharklets" solution for our A320 fleet; we believe we have made an excellent choice for our aircraft," said Dave Barger, president and CEO of JetBlue Airways. "We feel the "Sharklets" are a prudent investment in our fleet, our environment and our people that will maximize performance and efficiency, while minimizing our carbon footprint."

"It's only fitting that JetBlue is the first airline in the world to make the decision to retrofit its in-service fleet with the fuel-saving upgrade of "Sharklets," and we are very pleased to have them on board for this solution," said Tom Williams, Airbus' Executive Vice President - Programs.  "JetBlue has been a real partner in the "Sharklet" program, and this agreement further builds on that strong relationship.  Airbus seeks to work continuously with our customers to enhance the value our products and services deliver to them.  These "Sharklets" will make JetBlue's already efficient and reliable in-service A320 fleet even more competitive."

The devices are an option for the A320 Family aircraft and offer JetBlue the option of an additional 100 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of up to 1,000 pounds. "Sharklets" are standard on all members of the A320neo Family. JetBlue is not only the first carrier to fly with "Sharklets" in North America but, with the conclusion of this agreement and the retrofitting, will have the largest-such-equipped A320 fleet in the world. JetBlue's future Airbus deliveries also will come outfitted with the devices.

(Image of A320neo in JetBlue livery provided by Airbus)

FMI: www.airbus.com