The A321 powered by CFM56 engines with Sharklets has become the latest member of Airbus’ single-aisle product line to receive European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification.

The first A321 equipped with Sharklets is scheduled to enter service in September, following the aircraft’s on-schedule EASA certification this month.

Sharklets are Airbus’ 2.4-metre-tall fuel-saving wingtip devices, which deliver up four per cent fuel burn reduction on longer sectors. They are available as options on new-build A320ceo (current engine option) Family aircraft, and will be standard on A320neo (new engine option) Family jetliners.

The CFM56-powered A321 becomes the second A320 Family member with Sharklets to receive certification this year, following the A319 – also powered by CFM56 engines – in May. Certified in late 2012 were A320s fitted with Sharklets using both the CFM56 and International Aero Engines (IAE) V2500 powerplants.

The remaining A319 and A321 jetliner versions with V2500 engines and Sharklets are scheduled for certification later this summer.

Airbus press release