AirAsia will become the first operator of Airbus A320 ‘Sharklets’ when it takes delivery of aircraft equipped with the fuel-saving wingtip devices late this year.
Airbus claims the ‘Sharklets’ will result in a fuel savings of close to four per cent on longer flights. The devices will be standard equipment on the upcoming A320neo and are optional on current generation A320s.
AirAsia’s ‘Sharklets’ will be fitted onto previously ordered A320s scheduled for delivery from the December 2012.
The budget carrier has ordered a total of 375 A320 aircraft, of which 103 have so far been delivered. The airline said it is in negotiations with Airbus for the purchase of 100 more A320neos in addition to the 200 it already on order. The re-engined A320neo is scheduled to begin shipping in 2015.
