LinkSunday, 15 November 2009, Criselda E. Diala, Dubai
Airbus on Sunday said it seeks to further enhance the eco-efficiency and payload performance of its A320 fleet model with the launch of the “Sharklet” large wingtip devices.
John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer-Customers of Airbus, said all A320 aircraft set for delivery by the end of 2012 will be fitted with the Sharklet while other models under the A320 Family will be fitted with the device by 2013.
The Sharklet is billed as one of the French aircraft manufacturer’s responses to the growing clamour for the global aviation industry to reduce its carbon footprint. The device is expected to reduce fuel burn annually by 3.5 per cent or about 700 tonnes of CO2 reduction per aircraft.
It has also been designed to increase the aircraft’s revenue payload by about 500 kilograms and allow an additional 20 passengers on board. Airbus claims that at $900,000, Sharklet is cheap because it guarantees cost-effectiveness, allowing airlines to save on operating costs and redeem the value within only less than four years of operating the Sharklet-fitted aircraft.
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