AirAsia to become first Airbus A320 ‘Sharklets’ operator

Airbus and the world’s largest A320 customer AirAsia announced that the airline will become the first operator of the A320 with ‘Sharklets’ when they take delivery of the first A320 equipped with these fuel-saving wing-tip devices at the end of this year. The aircraft exhibited on static and flying display at the ILA Berlin Air Show is the flight test aircraft for CFM engines and will also be delivered to AirAsia in 2013.

"The A320 has played a key role in our success, enabling us to offer our passengers the lowest fares possible and completely redefine short haul travel in Asia.” said Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group CEO. “Now we are looking forward to become the first airline in the world to start operating this most fuel-efficient aircraft.”

“AirAsia is one of the fastest growing, most innovative and well-respected brands in the airline industry” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “It is a great endorsement that they have chosen our latest, fuel-saving aircraft of our successful A320 Family”.

Zaman Ahmad, AirAsia Group Head Customer Experience and Technology, and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, celebrating AirAsia to become the first Sharklet operator, in front of the first A320 Family aircraft to flight test the fuel-saving wing tip devices.

Sharklets will be fitted on previously ordered, newly-built A320s for AirAsia, scheduled for delivery from the end of 2012. They will result in close to 4 percent fuel savings on longer sectors, corresponding to an annual CO₂ reduction of around 1,000 tonnes per aircraft.

Altogether, AirAsia, the largest Low Cost Airline in Asia-Pacific has ordered a total of 375 single aisle aircraft, comprising 200 A320neo and 175 A320ceo, of which 103 have been delivered to date.

Zaman Ahmad, AirAsia Group Head Customer Experience and Technology, and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, celebrating AirAsia to become the first Sharklet operator, in front of the first A320 Family aircraft to flight test the fuel-saving wing tip devices.