AirAsia To Become First Airbus A320 Operator Equipped With The Devices

Flight testing of A320s outfitted with “Sharklets” has confirmed the fuel savings expectations for these Airbus wingtip devices, the planemaker said Tuesday.

“These new fuel-saving wingtip devices represent the next phase in our ongoing development of the best-selling A320 Family,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers.  “They will bring significant reduction in fuel burned: at least 3.5 per cent; in fact, our engineers are telling me that with the flight tests we’re completing now, it’s closer to four per cent.”
 
Leahy added the Sharklets also will improve takeoff performance, as well as increase range and payload – all while significantly reducing C02 emissions for each aircraft equipped with the devices.

His comments were made at the 2012 ILA Berlin Air Show during an announcement that AirAsia will become the first operator of a Sharklet-equipped A320, receiving this milestone aircraft in December. The aircraft exhibited on static and flying display at the ILA Berlin Air Show is the flight test aircraft for CFM engines and will also be delivered to AirAsia in 2013.
 
"The A320 has played a key role in our success, enabling us to offer our passengers the lowest fares possible and completely redefine short haul travel in Asia.” said Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group CEO. “Now we are looking forward to become the first airline in the world to start operating this most fuel-efficient aircraft.”
 
“AirAsia is one of the fastest growing, most innovative and well-respected brands in the airline industry” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “It is a great endorsement that they have chosen our latest, fuel-saving aircraft of our successful A320 Family."

(Image provided by Airbus)

FMI: www.airbus.com