Airbus is set to begin flight testing of its first ‘Sharklet’ wingtip devices for the A320 Family of single aisle jetliners.
Airbus claims the 2.5 metre tall drag reducing devices will cut fuel use by up to 3.5 per cent, saving an estimated 700 tonnes per aircraft in annual carbon emission – an amount similar to the emission produced by about 200 cars.
The Sharklets is offered as an option on newly built A320s and is standard on the A320neo family, which is scheduled to begin delivery in 2015.
