Comlux The Aviation Group has become the first Airbus ACJ319 customer for an in-service retrofit of Sharklets, upswept fins attached to the wingtips that save about 4 per cent in fuel consumption while also enhancing performance and appearance.

Comlux plan to fit Sharklets to an Airbus ACJ319 already in operation, during 2016. The in-service retrofit comprises local structural reinforcement of the outer wing, a software upgrade to several flight-control computers, and replacement of the existing wingtips by Sharklets.

“Sharklets will enhance the look of our Airbus ACJ319, while helping us to preserve the value of our investment by improving performance and saving fuel,” says Fly Comlux CEO Andrea Zanetto.

Airbus delivered its first corporate jet with production-line fitted Sharklets in October 2013, and they are already in widespread airline service.

“Sharklets are the latest and most visible signs of something that we have been doing ever since Airbus was born, which is to innovate using the latest technology whenever it brings worthwhile benefits,” comments Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy. “It’s this approach, building on innovative new designs, that ensures that Airbus continues to deliver the most modern aircraft family to its customers,” he adds.

Derived from the world’s most modern aircraft family, Airbus corporate jets feature, as standard, many innovations that other business jets lack or only offer as options, such as  the simplicity and savings of fly-by-wire controls, extensive use of weight-saving carbonfibre, and time and cost-saving centralised maintenance.

This heritage means that Airbus corporate jets benefit from excellent reliability, because airliners are designed to perform many flights a day in rigorous conditions. Airbus corporate jet operators are also backed by a worldwide support network that serves more than 500 customers and operators, as well as services tailored to their needs.

Airbus press release, photo Sharklets on A320 photo by Airbus.