Airbus’ Sharklets live up to their promise for A320 fuel savings

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

“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.”

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.

Leahy added the Sharklets also will improve takeoff performance, as well as increase range and payload – all while reducing C02 emissions by 1,000 tonnes per year for each aircraft equipped with the devices.