AirAsia, the world’s largest A320 customer, has announced that it will become the first operator of the A320 with ‘Sharklets’ when they take delivery of the first Airbus equipped with the fuel-saving wing-tip devices at the end of the year.

The aircraft exhibited on static and flying display at the ILA Berlin Air Show is the flight test aircraft for CFM engines and be delivered to AirAsia in 2013, a statement from the airline company said.

"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.”

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

Altogether, AirAsia, one of the largest low cost airlines 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. – TradeArabia News Service