Airbus started delivering A320 aircraft with Sharklet (photo / video)

By Sorin Rusi Last updated 7th May 2013

Airbus, one of the largest manufacturers of commercial aircraft, began delivering family aircraft A320 equipped with Sharklet.

"Sharklet”Is a piece made of composite materials, is 2.4 meters high, triangular in shape and is mounted on the tips of the wings. The "Sharklet" effect translates into reducing fuel consumption by up to 4%, CO2 emissions by up to 700 tons per aircraft / year, increasing range by up to 160 km, increasing the weight borne by up to 450 kg.

It all started on November 15, 2009, when the "Sharklet" project was announced. After 3 years, on September 11, 2012, AirAsia was presented as the first air operator to take possession of an Airbus A320 equipped with a Sharklet.

But until the delivery of the first A320 with Sharklet, it was 3 years of ground and air tests that demonstrated the effectiveness of the new changes. On November 26, 2011 the first A320 with "Sharklet" was presented, and on November 30, 2011 it performed the first test flight. In October 2012, the first A321 aircraft was equipped with a Sharklet (MSN 5295), and on October 23, it operated the first flight with the new wing-mounted tips. In November, the project is extended to the A319 model, and on November 23, 2012, the MSN 5327 aircraft made its first flight with the Sharklet.

On 21 December 2012, AirAsia became the first airline operator to own an A320 Sharklet.

And so began a new era for the A320 aircraft family. In these tough times, more and more airline operators are calling for Sharklet tips. Below is the list of air carriers that have already owned the first A320 Sharklet aircraft.

Cebu Pacific Air - January 21, 2013