India-based low-cost carrier IndiGo has received its first A320 aircraft equipped with Sharklets from Airbus, becoming the first Indian carrier to use the fuel-saving wing-tips.
Airbus stated that the wing-tip devices enabled carriers to reduce fuel burn by up to 4% on long-haul routes.
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Sharklets are an optional feature on new-build A320 airliners and are standard on all variants of the A320neo jets.
Made from lightweight composites, the sharklets offer the flexibility of adding about 100nm more range or increasing payload capability of up to 992lbs.
IndiGo president Aditya Ghosh said that the airline already operates most fuel efficient fleet and the investment in Sharklets would help reduce fuel consumption even further.
Airbus COO Customers John Leahy said: "With high fuel prices and with a 4% burn reduction, IndiGo’s investment in the Sharklet will pay handsome dividends."
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By GlobalDataIn 2005, IndiGo has placed an order for 100 A320 aeroplanes, it received the first A320 aircraft on 28 July 2006.
The airline has also placed a firm order for 150 A320neo and 30 A320s in 2011.
IndiGo operates an all Airbus fleet of 62 A320s and has 280 cumulative orders for Airbus aircraft to date.
Earlier this month, UAE-based Air Arabia and Philippines budget carrier Cebu Pacific Air received the Sharklets-equipped A320.
So far, Airbus has received more than 9,000 orders for A320 jetliners, with 5,400 having already been delivered to more than 380 customers and operators worldwide.
Image: IndiGo becomes first Indian carrier to operate A320 equipped with Sharklets. Photo: Airbus SAS.
