Airbus is considering a possible retrofit option of large winglets for existing A320 family aircraft, after being encouraged by the response to its current ‘Sharklet’ program for new build aircraft.
The manufacturer will evaluate the “technical, operational and business aspects” of a potential retrofit program, which would “directly benefit from Airbus’s experience in developing the forward-fit Sharklet option” for new-build A320s.
“We’ve begun investigating in earnest, and our technical teams are confident that we can develop a retrofit solution. We are committed to making it happen either in-house or with external partners,” executive vice president, programs Tom Williams said.
“We are confident that our customers will appreciate not only the benefits from improved fuel efficiency that retrofitting large winglets will bring to their in-service A320 Family fleets, but also from the enhanced residual value,” he added.
