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Airbus launches "Sharklet" wingtip devices for A320
Airbus will equip new A320 aircraft for Air New Zealand with "Sharklet" large wingtip devices that enhance environmental and payload-range performance, the plane maker announced Sunday.
Airbus will offer the Sharklets as a forward-fit option.
It expects them to cut fuel burn by at least 3.5 percent, compared with A320s with wingtip fences, over longer sectors, corresponding to an annual carbon dioxide reduction of around 700 tonnes per aircraft.
Air New Zealand is the launch customer for the Sharklets, with first delivery set for around the end of 2012, Airbus said.
"The new Sharklets will enable our Airbus fleet to benefit from lower fuel burn and carbon emissions, both across Air New Zealand's domestic network and especially on the longer trans-Tasman sectors," Rob Fyfe, Air New Zealand's chief executive, said in a news release.
John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer -- customers, said: "The eco-efficient A320 Family just keeps getting better. We are delighted that Air New Zealand recognizes that our single-aisle family will remain the most profitable product in its class for years to come."
Payload-range benefits include either a revenue payload increase of around 500 kg or an additional 100 nautical mile range at the original payload, Airbus said. It said the Sharklets would keep the A320 within the ICAO 'Class C' (wingspan less than 36 meters); result in higher available takeoff weights, notably from obstacle-limited runways; allow reduced average takeoff thrust on non-limited runways, saving engine maintenance costs by around two percent, while lowering takeoff noise; and allow enhanced climb performance and higher initial cruise altitude.
Airbus will equip new A320 aircraft for Air New Zealand with "Sharklet" large wingtip devices that enhance environmental and payload-range performance, the plane maker announced Sunday.
Airbus will offer the Sharklets as a forward-fit option.
It expects them to cut fuel burn by at least 3.5 percent, compared with A320s with wingtip fences, over longer sectors, corresponding to an annual carbon dioxide reduction of around 700 tonnes per aircraft.
Air New Zealand is the launch customer for the Sharklets, with first delivery set for around the end of 2012, Airbus said.
"The new Sharklets will enable our Airbus fleet to benefit from lower fuel burn and carbon emissions, both across Air New Zealand's domestic network and especially on the longer trans-Tasman sectors," Rob Fyfe, Air New Zealand's chief executive, said in a news release.
John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer -- customers, said: "The eco-efficient A320 Family just keeps getting better. We are delighted that Air New Zealand recognizes that our single-aisle family will remain the most profitable product in its class for years to come."
Payload-range benefits include either a revenue payload increase of around 500 kg or an additional 100 nautical mile range at the original payload, Airbus said. It said the Sharklets would keep the A320 within the ICAO 'Class C' (wingspan less than 36 meters); result in higher available takeoff weights, notably from obstacle-limited runways; allow reduced average takeoff thrust on non-limited runways, saving engine maintenance costs by around two percent, while lowering takeoff noise; and allow enhanced climb performance and higher initial cruise altitude.
