Carrier becomes UK’s first operator of Airbus’ new wing tip fuel saving devices

14 March 2013

Monarch Airlines, one of the UK’s scheduled airlines, has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320 equipped with fuel saving wing tip devices, called Sharklets, becoming the first UK carrier to benefit from them.
Sharklets are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft, and standard on all members of the A320neo Family. The new wing tip devices measure 2.4 metres tall, replacing the A320’s current wing tip fence. They offer the flexibility to A320 Family operators of either adding around 100 nautical miles more range or an increased payload capability of up to 450 kilogrammes.
“We are very happy to be the UK’s first operator of the latest version of the cost efficient A320,” Kevin George, Managing Director of Monarch Airlines Ltd said. “The new Sharklet-equipped A320s will help us to save on fuel costs and allow us to continue to offer superior value and service to our customers.”
“We are delighted that Monarch Airlines has joined a growing list of operators of our A320 equipped with new fuel-saving Sharklets,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “With a four per cent fuel burn reduction, the A320 with Sharklets gives Monarch a huge advantage in one of the world’s most competitive aviation markets.”
Monarch Airlines, is a leading UK-based scheduled leisure airline operating from six bases in the UK – London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford and London Luton, where it is headquartered. Monarch Airlines is the UK’s third-largest carrier and flies principally to destinations around the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and winter ski destinations. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Monarch Group.