Airbus’ fuel-efficiency “hunter” comes to the Farnborough Airshow

A sleek new aircraft profile was added to the Farnborough Airshow as Airbus’ first production A320 with fuel-saving Sharkets arrived for an appearance at the aerospace industry event.

With the words: “Hunting down fuel burned” emblazoned on its fuselage, the A320 joined the Malaysia Airlines A380 and ACJ318 corporate jetliner that Airbus brought to the air show’s aircraft static display line. 

The arrival of this A320 – Airbus’ first new-build aircraft fitted with the large wingtip devices – was appropriately timed, as its touchdown occurred only hours before the announcement of Drukair’s firm order signing for an A319 equipped with Sharklets, complementing the Bhutan national airline’s existing fleet of two A319s.   

Sized at approximately 2.5 metres tall, Sharklets are specially designed for the A320 Family and will reduce fuel burn by up to 3.5 percent – resulting in an annual CO2 reduction of some 700 tonnes per aircraft – while also enhancing aircraft performance.

Sharklets are available as options on members of the A320 Family now in production, and will be standard on Airbus’ new A320neo Family.