Airbus launches Sharklet retrofit for in-service A320 Family aircraft

Airbus has launched 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. Operators of Sharklet retrofitted aircraft will benefit from a reduction in fuel costs by up to four per cent and increased mission range by up to 100 nautical miles. Over 4,000 A320 Family in-service aircraft are eligible to be retrofitted with Sharklets and Airbus has already secured commitments from airlines for around 200 shipsets. Airbus will offer the retrofit initially for A320 and A319 models and will evaluate a retrofit for the A321 at a later stage.