Sharklets are newly designed wing-tip devices, measuring 2,4 metres and replacing the A320’s current wing tip fence. They improve the aircraft’s aerodynamics and significantly cut the airline’s fuel burn and emissions by up to four per cent. Sharklets are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft, and standard on all members of the NEO Family. They offer the flexibility to A320 Family operators of either adding around 100 nautical miles more range or allowing an increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.

As of today, over 9,150 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold worldwide and over 5,450 aircraft delivered to more than 385 customers and operators, making it the world’s best-selling
commercial jetliner ever.

The new Trent engines were both received from UTC Aerospace Systems (formerly Goodrich) which had recently prepared the fully integrated powerplants prior to their installation on the aircraft’s pylons. Last month the Trent XWB received Engine Type Certification from EASA, confirming that the engine had fulfilled EASA’s airworthiness requirements for flight. The Trent XWB has already powered a series of test flights on Airbus’ A380 Flying Test Bed (FTB) aircraft since February 2012, demonstrating a high level of maturity.

In parallel to the mounting of the two Trent XWB engines in Toulouse, the A350 XWB is also this week being fitted with its new specially developed APU – the Honeywell HGT1700 which has greater power density and higher efficiency than the previous generation APUs.

With the installation of its engines and also the APU, the A350 XWB MSN001 becomes essentially a ‘completed’ aircraft. Following the ongoing ground tests, other preparations and also painting in the coming weeks, MSN001 will then be handed over to the Airbus Flight Test team to commence preparations for ground runs and maiden flight in the summer. 

“As our Airbus fleet expands, so does our destination network,” said Mark Dunkerley, president and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines. “Our fleet of A330s has prompted great response from our customers and employees alike. And the addition of the A321neo to our fleet is expected to generate around one thousand new jobs at our airline.”

“Airbus prides itself on being part of our customers’ growing successes, and this order is the perfect example of how the right plane at the right airline can alter not just a business culture, but a local community,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The A320neo Family brings a further greening of our product line, and considering the environmental consciousness of the Hawaiian people, this aspect of the aircraft is another driver for eco-friendly, sustainable growth at the airline. It’s also the most comfortable single-aisle flying today.”

Incorporating new engines and large Sharklet wing tip devices, the A320neo Family will deliver fuel savings of 15 percent. In addition, the A320neo Family will provide a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise. The A320neo will enter into service from late 2015, followed by the A319neo and A321neo in 2016.

More than 9,150 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and more than 5,450 delivered to more than 385 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft Family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometers) more range or two metric tons more payload at a given range.

Sharklets are newly designed wing-tip devices that 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 NEO Family. They offer the flexibility to A320 Family operators of either adding around 100 nautical miles more range or allowing an increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.

The MoU was signed by Harald Wilhelm, Chief Financial Officer, Airbus & EADS, Nigel Taylor, SVP Customer, Project and Structured Finance, Airbus & EADS, Yousef Abdulla Yousef, Managing Director, ADNL and Mark Yassin, Senior General Manager of Global Banking at NBAD in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). ADNL and Airbus will share competence and experience to cooperate on leasing projects, financing projects and management activities, such as structuring operating and finance lease transactions, pre-delivery payment financing for Airbus aircraft and delivery financing of new and used Airbus aircraft.

Under the MoU, ADNL will facilitate and provide aircraft delivery financing solutions to airlines in the Gulf Coperation Council region for the acquisition of aircraft ordered from Airbus. ADNL will in addition provide financing support by way of sale and leaseback transactions with its airline customers for Airbus aircraft.

"We understand the power of connectivity to drive the economy. We believe that the airlines in the UAE have been the catalyst for transforming and expanding the air transportation to and from the UAE. The aviation industry contributes more than AED (United Arab Emirates Dirhams) 145 billion to the UAE economy, justifying the region’s huge investments in airports and airline networks.” said Yousef Abdulla Yousef, Managing Director of ADNL.

Yousef added: “ADNL puts its hands together with Airbus to increase cooperation between the two organizations and drive forward aviation initiatives to make Abu Dhabi a regional hub for the aviation business.”

"In the current economic environment, investment in aircraft remains a very attractive proposition and we are pleased to expand our relationship with new players such as NBAD and ADNL. Our modern portfolio of Airbus aircraft is delivering an excellent return on investment and outstanding value for money to our customers" said Harald Wilhelm, CFO, Airbus & EADS.

ROPS was first approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on the A380 in October 2009 and to date is currently in service or ordered on around 70 per cent of the A380 fleet. ROPS is part of the A350 XWB’s basic configuration and is also being applied on the other Airbus types being produced today, starting with the A320 Family, with certification on this type expected later this year.

“We are proud to equip our entire A320 family aircraft fleet with this state-of-the-art ROPS technology,” said Capt. John Hale, Vice President – Flight for American Airlines. “Our pilots appreciate the operational benefits that this industry-approved cockpit technology will bring to their daily work.” 

“ROPS is the result of years of continuing research by Airbus,” said Yannick Malinge, Airbus’ Senior Vice President and Chief Product Safety Officer. “Its selection by American Airlines for its A320 Family fleet underscores the value and significant contribution that ROPS brings to aviation safety. Airbus is proud to be on the leading edge of this technology for our industry – where safety is the universal priority.”

Runway excursion – meaning either an aircraft veering off the side of the runway, or overrunning at the very end – has become the primary cause of civil airliner hull losses in recent years, particularly as other formerly prevalent categories of aircraft accidents have now largely been eliminated. Furthermore, various industry bodies including the EASA, NTSB, Eurocontrol and FAA recognize this and are fully behind the introduction of effective measures by commercial aviation stakeholders to not only mitigate, but eliminate the risk of runway excursions.

In line with this, Airbus is working to make ROPS commercially available for aircraft from other manufacturers. The system will be coupled to the mandatory Terrain Avoidance Warning System already fitted and will utilize an enhanced and specially developed version of its worldwide runway database.

The Airbus-patented ROPS computes minimum realistic in-flight landing and on-ground stopping distances while comparing them to available landing distances in real time. The analyses take into account factors such as runway topography, runway condition, aircraft weight and configuration, wind and temperature. The resulting outcome produces audio callouts and alerts for pilots, making ROPS an awareness tool to assist the crew in the go-around decision making process and also the timely application of retardation/stopping means on touchdown. 

To regularly enhance the A320 Family’s capabilities and performance, Airbus invests approximately 300 million euros annually in keeping the aircraft highly competitive and efficient. More than 9,150 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and around 5,460 delivered to over 385 customers and operators worldwide – reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft Family.

Sharklets are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft, and standard on all members of the NEO Family. They offer the flexibility to A320 Family operators of either adding around 100 nautical miles more range or allowing an increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.

“We already operate the youngest and most fuel efficient fleet of any Ukrainian airline, and our investment in Sharklets will help reduce our fuel consumption even further,” said Akos Bus, Director General of Wizz Air Ukraine.

“With high fuel prices and with a four per cent fuel burn reduction, Wizz Air Ukraine’s investment in the Sharklet will pay handsome dividends, said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “We are delighted with Wizz Air Ukraine’s choice to grow their airline with Airbus.”

Wizz Air Ukraine is the only low-fare, low-cost airline serving the Ukrainian market and will operate a fleet of 4 Airbus A320 aircraft from 5 airports in Ukraine to 19 destinations in 10 countries by summer 2013.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, over 9,150 aircraft have been ordered and over 5,460 delivered to more than 385 customers and operators worldwide.

Currently Head of Group Communications at Vallourec – a world leader in premium tubular solutions primarily serving the energy markets, Véronique Creissels has a wealth of experience in Aeronautics and High-Technology Industries.

“I am very pleased to welcome Véronique to Airbus. Her enthusiasm and vast experience leading Communications at highly innovative global companies and her strong international background make her a true asset for Airbus,” said Fabrice Brégier.”I wish Véronique all the best in her new position!”

Heading the Communications for the entire Vallourec Group since 2011, Véronique Creissels successfully strengthened a truly international and strategic Communication Function across markets and countries, while implementing a reputation building roadmap for the Group.

Prior to her current assignment, from 2006, Véronique Creissels headed Communication at Thales Aerospace and Defense Mission Systems. Since 2011 she has been in charge of the “Leadership and Engagement” programme on behalf of the Director of Human Resources.

As Deputy Communications Director of the automotive supplier Faurecia from 2003 to 2006, she built and managed the global player’s international communication network.

After some years in an advertising agency, her career in Communications began in 1991 at Alstom, where Véronique accumulated essential Communications experience in the manufacturing industry. Starting with responsibilities for Brand & Image - she lead the External and later the Internal Communications for the Energy Solutions and Transport Group.

Married with two children Véronique Creissels holds a degree in Law and History as well as a Master in Political Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Information Management.  

In his new role, Hoskins will be responsible for the facilitation and coordination of Airbus Americas activities and interests relating to safety, regulation and certification standards, human factors and operational matters. He and his team work closely with customer airlines, the FAA, the NTSB, ICAO and other governmental and industry groups. Hoskins will report to Barry Eccleston, President and CEO of Airbus Americas.

Eccleston says, “This position requires a lot from any individual: professionalism, experience, dedication to safety and the industry, intregrity and involvement. Bill has led with all of these qualities for the past eight years at Airbus Americas and throughout his career and we wish him well when he begins his retirement in July. I am confident Craig has the same qualities and will lead Airbus Americas safety efforts into the future.”  

Yannick Malinge, Director of Product Safety for Airbus in Toulouse, also praises Bozin for “his relentless support to the Safety goal and his dedication to supporting Airbus’ safety goals worldwide through his interaction with the Toulouse-based safety organization. We look forward to the same interaction with Craig.”

Hoskins comes to Airbus Americas from JetBlue Airways, Corp., where he has been in various roles since 2003. Most recently, he was the Vice President, Chief Safety Officer and A320 Captain. He brings with him 31 years of aviation experience in military and civilian roles in flight, maintenance and safety operations. Prior to JetBlue, he was at Northwest Airlines for three years as a pilot and Human Factors analyst. From 1980 to 2000, he was with the United States Coast Guard as Chief of Safety, Human Factors Specialist and Lead Check Airman. Hoskins holds a Master of Science degree from Almeda College & University in Boise, Idaho; a Bachelor of Science degree from Charter Oak State College in Newington, Connecticut; a Certificate in Safety Management from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles; and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Safety Officer Course in Fort Rucker, Alabama. He is currently a member of the Air Transport Association’s Safety Committee in Washington, D.C.Hoskins, originally from Baxter, Minnesota is married with two adult children. He currently resides in Orlando, Florida, and he and his wife are looking forward to relocating to the Washington, D.C. area for his new role. 

The order was finalised today at a special ceremony at the Elysée Palace in Paris in the presence of President François Hollande of France, who witnessed the signing of documents by Rusdi Kirana, Co-Founder and CEO of Lion Air Group and Fabrice Brégier, President & CEO, Airbus.

In a single class layout the A320 can seat up to 180 passengers, while the A321 can carry up to 236 with the latest cabin configuration options. Lion Air Group will use the aircraft to meet growth requirements on its expanding domestic and regional route network. The carrier will announce engine selections for the aircraft in the near future.

“The fuel-efficient A320 Family will enable Lion Air to achieve the lowest possible operating costs and continue to offer the most competitive fares in the Asian region,” said Rusdi Kirana, Co-Founder and CEO of Lion Air Group. "This landmark order will ensure that the Lion Air Group will continue its expansion with one of the most modern and advanced fleets in the world."

"This announcement marks our first order from Lion Air - one of Asia’s fastest-growing and most successful low cost carriers,” said Fabrice Brégier, President & CEO, Airbus. “The news underscores the market-leading position of the A320 Family, which continues to attract new customers for both the current and new engine options. We very much look forward to welcoming Lion Air as a major new operator of Airbus aircraft.”

Offering the lowest operating costs in its class, the A320 Family is the world's best-selling single-aisle product line. To date, some 9,400 aircraft have been ordered and more than 5.400 delivered to over 380 customers and operators worldwide. The A320ceo and A320neo share over 95 percent airframe commonality, enabling seamless operation of the various models in a single fleet.

Since taking to the skies in 2000, Jakarta-based Lion Air has become one of Asia’s fastest-growing airlines. Today the Group operates an extensive network covering over 70 destinations in Indonesia and South East Asia