Germany’s airberlin group took delivery of its first Airbus A320 equipped with fuel saving wing tip devices, called Sharklets. The aircraft will join the fleet of the Austrian based airline NIKI, which is owned by the airberlin group. Between now and 2015 the airberlin group, Germany’s second biggest airline, will receive 13 more A320-Family aircraft with Sharklets.

Sharklets are newly designed wing-tip devices, measuring 2,4 metres and replacing the A320’s current wing tip fence. They improve the aircraft’s aerodynamics and significantly cut the airline’s fuel burn and emissions by up to four per cent. Sharklets are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft, and standard on all members of the NEO Family. They offer the flexibility to A320 Family operators of either adding around 100 nautical miles more range or allowing an increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.

As of today, over 9,150 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold worldwide and over 5,450 aircraft delivered to more than 385 customers and operators, making it the world’s best-selling commercial jetliner ever.

Source and photo: Airbus