Airbus launches sharklet retrofit for in-service A320 family aircraft

Airbus launched (29-Oct-2013) the sharklet retrofit programme for in-service A320 family aircraft. This option will be available in 2015. Operators of older in-service A320 family aircraft will thus be able to benefit from the significant cost savings and performance improvements which the sharklets are already delivering on new-build aircraft. This retrofit includes reinforcing the wing structure and adding the sharklet wingtip device. As part of the upgrade, the retrofit will lengthen the aircraft's service life and thus maximise the operators' return on investment for the sharklet retrofit. Airbus executive VP customer services Didier Lux aaid: "Customers of new A320 family aircraft are unanimously enthusiastic about the benefits which sharklets already bring to their operations. Now we can also offer this value-adding technology for upgrading their in-service aircraft, to increase range, reduce fuel-burn, while saving over 900 tonnes of CO2 per year, per aircraft." Airbus has been delivering sharklets as an option on new-build A320 family aircraft since Dec-2012. In addition, the sharklet retrofit option is being sold for newer aircraft delivered with the wings structurally reinforced in production. All members of the A320neo family will be fitted with sharklets as standard. The A320neo will enter into service in Oct-2015. [more - original PR]