Today, Mexican low-cost carrier Volaris celebrated the delivery of its first Sharklet-equipped Airbus A320 with a special flight from Mexico City to Cancun. Volaris is the first Mexico-based operator of the new fuel-saving wing tip devices.  The flight today showcased the aircraft efficiency to official representatives from France, Germany, Spain and United Kingdom who were onboard and accompanied by Volaris and Airbus executives. The aircraft is powered by IAE engines.

Sharklets are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 meters tall. They are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft and allow Airbus’ airline customers to reduce fuel burn up to four percent over longer sectors and reduce approximately 1,000 tons of CO2 emissions per aircraft per year. Sharklets offer operators the flexibility of either adding an additional 100 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.

Volaris has been the first carrier in Mexico to order the A320neo, with a purchase agreement for 44 aircraft, including 30 A320neo and 14 A320ceo. The airline, which has an all-Airbus fleet, currently operates 43 A320 Family aircraft and has a backlog of 48.

Airbus press release