Airbus predicts Nordic carriers require over 420 aircraft worth US$38.6bn

Growth and replacement needs for more eco-efficient aircraft

 

22 November 2011 Press Release

 

According to the latest Airbus Global Market Forecast (GMF), Nordic airlines are predicted to require 424 new passenger aircraft between 2011 and 2030 with a value of US$ 38.6 billion.  

 

These new aircraft deliveries will be dominated by single-aisles (365), such as Airbus' modern A320 Family. Airbus also forecasts a trend toward larger aircraft sizes as airlines seek to grow capacity efficiently, reduce seat mile costs and simultaneously their impact on the environment.  There are 59 twin-aisle new aircraft deliveries forecast over the next 20 years in the Nordics, which will include types such as the A330 and A350 XWB. Around half of the new aircraft requirement for the region will be for the replacement of older less eco-efficient aircraft, and half will be for new aircraft as air travel continues to grow to and from the Nordics.

 

The Airbus forecast for the Nordic region is based on an analysis of seven countries, where over 50 airlines operate some 302 passenger aircraft today.

 

Air traffic to, from and within the Nordics has increased by 67% since 2001 with an increase of 87% in international traffic. As well as connecting the region to the rest of Europe and the world, tourism is becoming increasingly important, with its share of GDP in Nordics, expected to reach 6.5% in 2020 compared to 5.6% today.

 

Driven by tourism, advanced economies with a high standard of living and further developments in the low cost market, Airbus forecasts that the Nordics will average an annual passenger traffic growth rate of 4.0%. This figure is above other developed aviation markets such as North America (2.5%, domestic) and in line with Western Europe (3.5%, inter regionally).

 

"The aircraft fleet serving the Nordic market will grow from ~300 aircraft today, to more than 500 over the next 20 years, an increase of aircraft in service of 70%", says Christopher Emerson, Senior Vice President Product Strategy & Market Forecast, Airbus. "This translates into a large demand for more aircraft, which Airbus is well positioned to supply with its range of modern eco-efficient planes".

 

With this long term growth, Airbus recognises the need to continually innovate to meet the demands of airlines, passengers and the environment. As part of this vision for a more connected and sustainable world, Airbus has established The 'Future by Airbus' – a unique project designed to lead the debate around the global issues impacting aviation in the future and search for solutions today.

 

Key areas which are addressed in the Future by Airbus vision and have been showcased in the Nordic region this week include: future energy sources; air traffic management and new aircraft models. Today, Airbus is working with partners in the industry to help find green solutions for tomorrow.  Such projects include: VINGA – an assignment to reduce CO2 emissions through streamlined flight processes with NovAir in Sweden and various commercial biofuel flights with numerous airlines including Finnair.

 

Airbus is the world's leading aircraft manufacturer offering the most modern and efficient passenger aircraft families from 100 to over 500 seats. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS company.

 

Airbus starts making the wings for first A350 XWB

Assembly of the 32 metre long carbon fibre wings for the first A350 XWB (MSN1) has started at Airbus' recently opened "North Factory" in Broughton, UK.

 

Blagnac,  22 November 2011

 

Most of the A350 XWB wing is made of light-weight carbon composites, including the upper and lower wing covers, stringers, front and rear spars. The advanced structural design, combined with superior wing aerodynamics are both significant contributors to the 25% fuel saving performance of the aircraft.

 

Pre-assembly of ribs, upper and lower covers and fixed leading and trailing edges, has already taken place. These components will be moved into the main assembly jigs for full wing box integration. The ribs are produced by Korean Aerospace Industries in Korea. The upper and lower covers come from Airbus plants in Stade and Illescas respectively. In addition, Airbus extended enterprise partners, Spirit and GKN provide the fixed leading and trailing edges.

 

 

Boeing Delivers 100th Next-Generation 737-900ER

SEATTLE, Nov. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing's (NYSE: BA) Next-Generation 737-900ER (extended range) reached 100 deliveries with a delivery this week to Tajikistan-based Somon Air.

 

To date, the 737-900ER has logged 414 orders from 16 customers. The Next-Generation 737 family (all models) has won orders for more than 6,000 airplanes and Boeing has delivered more than 3,800.

 

"Airlines around the world are recognizing the superior performance and operating economics of the Next-Generation 737-900ER," said Beverly Wyse, 737 vice president and general manager. "It offers the best seat-mile cost of any single-aisle airplane which is especially important with today's high fuel prices."

 

The Next-Generation 737-900ER is a short-to-medium range twinjet that increases the capability of the Next-Generation 737 family. The higher-capacity, longer-range derivative of the 737-900 was launched in July 2005 with an order for 30 airplanes from Indonesia's Lion Air and introduced into service in April 2007.

 

The Next-Generation 737-900ER replaces the larger, single-aisle Boeing 757, which ceased production in 2004. The 737-900ER is capable of operating more than 90 percent of the 757 twin-engine's routes yet at a much lower operating cost.

 

The 737-900ER is the longest 737, typically carrying 180 passengers in a two-class layout with an exit limit certified for up to 220 passengers in a single-class configuration.

 

Somon Air, based in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, is the country's first private full-service carrier. This is the airline's second 737-900ER delivered with the Boeing Sky Interior.

 

 

El auge de la aviación, ¿es sostenible? - BBC Mundo

El auge de la aviación, ¿es sostenible? - BBC Mundo:

El auge de la aviación, ¿es sostenible? BBC Mundo Los dos gigantes de la industria comercial aeroespacial, Boeing y Airbus, creen que sí puede. Por ello, Airbus prevé que el número de pasajeros se duplicará en los próximos 20 años. Asimismo, considera que de aquí a 2030, las aerolíneas necesitarán más ... y más »

Airbus A350: Comienza el montaje de las alas - Fly-News

Airbus A350: Comienza el montaje de las alas - Fly-News:

Airbus A350: Comienza el montaje de las alas Fly-News En la factoría de Airbus en Broughton (Reino Unid0) ha dado comienzo el ensamblaje de las piezas que forman el par de alas del primer Airbus A350-900 que voalrá. La superficie superior del ala izquierda delprimer Airbus A350 XWB que volará, ... Airbus abre su primer centro de logística de Asia en ChinaWebpicking.com los 2 artículos informativos »

First flight test of Advanced Hypersonic Weapon (AHW) concept

First flight test of Advanced Hypersonic Weapon (AHW) concept:

Following the two test flights of the unmanned Falcon Hypersonic Technology Vehicle (HTV-2) earlier this year, both of which ended prematurely with the vehicle making a “controlled descent” into the Pacific Ocean, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command last week conducted the first test flight of the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon (AHW) concept. ..
Continue Reading First flight test of Advanced Hypersonic Weapon (AHW) concept

Plan to establish first lunar base and gas stations in space

Plan to establish first lunar base and gas stations in space:

Imagine if every time you went for on a trip, you had to carry all the fuel required to get you to your destination and back - even if that trip was to a place far, far away, like say Mars. In space there are no refueling options available (yet), and given that propellant makes up over 90 percent of the weight of a spacecraft, this issue is fundamental to saving costs and driving future space exploration. Now the Shackleton Energy Company (SEC) is looking to establish the first operational base to mine ice on the Moon that will be used to produce liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellants for distribution to spacecraft via the first gas stations in space ... and the plan is to be open for business by 2020...
Continue Reading Plan to establish first lunar base and gas stations in space

Lockheed Martin Completes Assembly Of The First International F-35 For The United Kingdom

FORT WORTH, Texas, November 22nd, 2011 -- The first international Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] F-35 Lightning II rolled out of the factory Sunday evening. The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence will use the short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) jet, known as BK-1, for training and operational tests.

BK-1 will undergo functional fuel system checks before being transported to the flight line for ground and flight tests in the coming months. The jet is scheduled to be delivered in 2012.

“This first F-35 for the first international program partner is symbolic of the proud partnership we share with the United Kingdom,” said F-35 Executive Vice President and General Manager of Program Integration Tom Burbage. “Working together in a spirit of collaboration, we are providing the men and women of the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy with unmatched 5th Generation capabilities, while delivering advanced technology sector jobs to the U.K.”

Group Captain Harv Smyth, the U.K.’s Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) national deputy stated, “This is a major milestone in the JSF Programme for U.K., and we look forward to starting to operate the first British F-35s next year. JSF is ideally suited for U.K.’s future Combat Air capability needs, since it provides a world-class 5th Generation air system, which is capable of operating from both the land and our new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier.”

The U.K. will play a vital role in the F-35’s global production, follow-on development and sustainment over the next 40 years, bringing strong economic benefits to the country.

“This program delivers unrivalled Combat Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (Combat ISTAR) capability to the U.K. Armed Forces, as well as being a major economic driver by sustaining thousands of jobs in the U.K. over more than two decades,” added Lockheed Martin Aero U.K. Director Paul Livingston.

Global participation is a centerpiece of the F-35 program and essential for its success and affordability through economies of scale. The program is comprised of nine partner nations: the United States, U.K., Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark and Norway. In October 2010, Israel selected the F-35A as the Israel Air Force’s next generation fighter and is scheduled to receive the F-35 through the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales process. Additionally, Japan and the Republic of Korea are currently considering the F-35 to recapitalize their fighter fleets.

The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th Generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems.

BAE Systems, headquartered in the U.K., brings a rich heritage of capabilities to the F-35 program, including short takeoff and vertical landing experience, advanced lean manufacturing, flight testing and air systems sustainment.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

High-resolution image of BK-1 rolling out of the factory.

Sense And Avoid Radar Sensor Successfully Completes First Flight Demonstration

Sense And Avoid Radar Sensor Successfully Completes First Flight Demonstration: X-Band Radar Sensor Affords 60 Seconds Of Avoidance Time A Multi Sensor Detect Sense and Avoid (MSDSA) program developed by Sierra Nevada Corporation successfully completed its first airborne demonstration using a prototype, x-band radar sensor. This new Sense and Avoid (SAA) sensor repeatedly detected and tracked airborne intruders resulting in over 60 seconds of avoidance time.

Avantair, Inc. Takes Delivery of 100th Piaggio P.180 Avanti in the U.S.

CLEARWATER, Fla. – November 17, 2011 -- Avantair, Inc. (OTCBB: AAIR), the industry leader of fractional aircraft ownership in the light jet cabin category and the only publicly traded stand-alone private aircraft operator, announced today that it has taken delivery of the 100th Piaggio Aero P.180 Avanti aircraft.

The centennial aircraft, serial #1216, was recently delivered to Avantair’s headquarters in Clearwater, Florida. Avantair operates the world’s largest fleet of Piaggio Aero aircraft and is the manufacturer’s largest customer.

“We at Avantair are very proud to be the recipient of the 100th Piaggio P180 Avanti in the United States. Piaggio Aero is our longstanding partner and this magnificent airplane has helped us to grow our market share across all of our private aviation programs,” said Steve Santo, CEO of Avantair. “Piaggio Aero’s Avanti II provides exceptional comfort, speed, safety and unparalleled value to our customers and we are pleased to be the exclusive fractional and card provider of this aircraft in North America.”

“Our 100th Avanti aircraft delivery in the USA is a major milestone for Piaggio Aero and a true validation of how well suited the P 180 Avanti is to the market in the United States with both private and commercial operators,” said John Bingham, president and CEO of Piaggio America.

Chinese Spacecraft Returns To Earth Following Docking Experiment

Chinese Spacecraft Returns To Earth Following Docking Experiment: China Progressing With Plans For Its Own Space Station The Chinese Shenzhou 8 spacecraft, which twice docked successfully with the Tiangong 1 module launched separately, returned to earth Thursday. China says it is working towards building its own space station, after being denied participation in the ISS program.

Say What??? USAF Boots Hawker, Mysteriously, From Light Air Support Bid Process

Say What??? USAF Boots Hawker, Mysteriously, From Light Air Support Bid Process: Wichita Gets Kicked In The Teeth, By Washington... Again Late last week, and for reasons that are still somewhat mysterious, Hawker Beechcraft received official notification from the United States Air Force that the Beechcraft AT-6 has been excluded from continuing in the Light Air Support (LAS) bidding process. As a result they have requested a review of the USAF Light Air Support Bidding decision. Initial reaction from American politicos and analysts has been fairly negative toward the USAF decision. Rep. Mike Pompeo, Wichita-R, is reported to have stated that, "I have already demanded answers from the Pentagon on why they made this very unfortunate decision, and will continue to do so... This contract is critical both to our nation's security and to jobs in Wichita, Kansas."

I Congreso sobre Investigación y Desarrollo de Sistemas Aéreos no Tripulados

Sevilla.- Investigadores y científicos de universidades y centros tecnológicos que trabajan en en sistemas y vehículos aéreos no tripulados (UAVs) se darán cita en Sevilla en el I Workshop de Investigación, Desarrollo y Educación sobre Sistemas Aéreos No Tripulados (RED-UAS 2011), que tendrá lugar los días 30 de noviembre y 1 de diciembre

Organizado por el Centro Avanzado de Tecnologías Aeroespaciales (CATEC) y el Grupo de Robótica, Visión y Control de la Universidad de Sevilla, este congreso pretende convertirse en un foro de debate y discusión de ideas y trabajos científicos relacionados con los sistemas no tripulados y sus principales aplicaciones tecnológicas...

noticia completa aqui I Congreso sobre Investigación y Desarrollo de Sistemas Aéreos no Tripulados

JMP Ingenieros liderará el primer proyecto europeo para impulsar microsatélites con plasma y combustible liquido

Logroño.- La firma riojana JMP Ingenieros va a dirigir y coordinar el único Sistema Mundial de propulsión electromagnética basado en plasma y combustible líquido no contaminante (Pulsed Plasma Thruster, PPT), con el fin de propulsar micro satélites de peso comprendido entre 1 y 5 kilogramos.

Lee la noticia en JMP Ingenieros liderará el primer proyecto europeo para impulsar microsatélites

For #avgeeks! Downloadable versions of 2010 Sukhoi Calendar

You can downloand them here: http://sukhoi.org/gallery/?gallery_id=56&cur_gallery_id=56

SSJ100 Full Flight Simulator in Zhukovsky ready for training

November 22, 2011, Zhukovsky, Moscow Region — The new Full Flight Simulator (FFS) of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft is ready to start training for Russian pilots.

 

The FFS, produced by French manufacturer Thales, is a highly technologically synthetic training device replicating the SSJ100 cockpit. It has been put in place in Zhukovsky, Moscow Region, by the Training Center managed by SuperJet International, the joint venture between Alenia Aeronautica — a Finmeccanica Company — and Sukhoi Holding.

 

The FFS has been submitted to the applicable international standards with several functional tests and it has finally reached the approval by the Russian Aviation Authority Rosavjacia in compliance with an "interim Level C" per JAR FSTD ( EASA ).

 

The simulator is currently available to provide first class training. By the end of November the first Type Rating Course for Aeroflot pilots will regularly start.

 

The training program will include three stages. First, a theoretical ground training to illustrate all the systems of the aircraft which is conducted with the use of a Computer Based Training (CBT) and with hands on training on a simulating the man/machine interface of the cockpit called FPTD (Flight Procedure Training Device). Second, a practical training of 32 hours to make experience of conducting the aircraft and to fulfill Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) course, with the use of the Flight Training Device (FTD).

 

The third stage of 48 flight hours will be performed on the advanced Full Flight Simulator.

 

The new SSJ100 FFS "Reality 7" is equipped with LCOS Projectors for the Visual System, Electro-Hydraulic Motion System and new IOS Station with improved ergonomics.

 

The innovative visual system grants to show a virtual external scenario recreating what a pilot can see during the various phases of operations in flight. In this way the pilot receives the same feedbacks he may perceive on the real aircraft. This state of the art device will allow Russian pilots to improve their skills and achieve the Type Rating training without using the real aircraft.

 

At a second stage, the device will be upgraded to the "level D" which is the maximum level of certification for the FFS according to JAR FSTD A regulation, with the possibility to have ZFTT programs (zero flight time training) in the future.

 

The courses will be managed by the instructors of SuperJet International responsabile worldwide for training of the overall SSJ100 fleet.

 

Thales Training & Simulation is going to deliver two additional FFS for the SSJ100 in 2012. One will be installed in Moscow and the other one in the SJI training center in Venice, where in 2012 additional training programs will engage the Interjet crews, in accordance with the first delivery's schedule. The training activity represents one of the major SuperJet International's commitments — states Carlo Logli, Chief Executive Officer — Since its incorporation SJI has recognised the strategic choice in providing Customers with a full spectrum of first class services, including technical support and training activity. This is what we are actually doing through our experienced and international aviation personnel".

 

"The timely and proper training of airlines' pilots is an important part of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 Program. The entry of the FFS into operation clearly helps us to work more efficiently in this field" said Vladimir Prisyazhnyuk, President of Sukhoi Civil Aircraft.

 

SuperJet International, which is in charge of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 sales in the Western markets, is also responsible for training and after-sales support all over the world. Given the international nature of the product, SuperJet International has established two facilities based in Venice and in Moscow for its training opportunities.

 

 

Sukhoi Company adds the third PAK FA prototype to flight tests program

November 22, 2011 Moscow — Today the first flight of the 3-rd prototype of the fifth generation aviation complex (PAK FA) took place in Sukhoi's KnAAPO aircraft plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. The plane was piloted by distinguished test pilot of the Russian Federation, the Hero of Russia Sergey Bogdan. The aircraft spent in the air a little more than an hour and landed on the factory airfield runway. The flight was successful, in full accordance with the flight plan. Stability of the aircraft test was conducted during the flight as well as evaluation of the power plant systems' performance. The aircraft proved itself well in all phases of the planned flight program. The pilot confirmed reliable operation of all systems and components.

 

The first flight of the PAK FA was held on January 29, 2010 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. In early March 2011 the second flight model took off there. At present, work is underway on the full range of ground and flight tests. The first public demonstration of the fighter was held on August 17 this year at the International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS-2011 in Zhukovsky near Moscow. At the present time more than 100 flights have been made on the flight test program.

 

The PAK-FA program provides for the creation, production organization and adoption by the Russian army of the 5th generation fighter. This will enhance the combat capabilities of the Russian Air Force, will help the aviation and related industries to attain new industrial and technological level, adding new impetus to the development of scientific schools, providing a stable workload for defense industry enterprises involved in its development and production. This top priority program for the Sukhoi Company will contribute to the development and implementation of materials, element base and high technologies of high innovative potential for the aviation industry and the economy of the country as well as for development of other projects of unified aviation complexes of new generations.

 

Compared with previous generations of fighters, the PAK FA has several unique features, combining the functions of an attack aircraft and fighter. The aircraft is equipped with a fifth-generation avionics with integrated function of "Electronic pilot" and next-generation radar with a phased antenna array. This equipment reduces the pilot's workload and helps him concentrate on tactical objectives. The on-board equipment of the new aircraft allows the exchange of data in real time with ground control systems and other aircraft. The PAK-FA is made of composite materials with innovative technologies. Its aerodynamic design and measures to reduce the engine's visibility provide very low level of radar, optical and infrared visibility while significantly improving combat effectiveness on air and ground targets, at any time, in both visible and adverse weather conditions.

 

Boeing to Feature Innovations in Training at I/ITSEC 2011

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 21, 2011 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] will showcase extensive training and simulation solutions during the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC), Nov. 28 - Dec. 1 in Orlando, Fla.

"Boeing looks forward to demonstrating to our customers the products and technology essential to training and preparing the warfighters of today and the future," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president, Training Systems & Services.

Boeing will display its Virtual Mission Board -- a multi-touch table for mission planning and rehearsal, exercise control and after-action reviews for military ground forces -- and the Apache Multi-Role Trainer, which allows students to train on Apache cockpit procedures, maintenance operational checks, weapons systems communications and crew coordination.

In the virtual training arena, Boeing will demonstrate the Australian Super Hornet Integrated Visual Environment Maintenance Trainer -- the first fully integrated Super Hornet maintenance device that enables training across all major F/A-18E/F systems and sub-systems -- and the Apache/Chinook Virtual Maintenance Training demonstrator, which incorporates high-resolution photos, graphics, 3-D models, videos, and system simulations to facilitate system identification and location, proper operation and troubleshooting.

The Boeing booth also will feature training and mission planning solutions from Boeing subsidiaries Argon ST and Tapestry Solutions, as well as a Boeing Flight Services kiosk that showcases a comprehensive portfolio of pilot, crew and maintenance training products, services and support for the commercial, business and general aviation markets.

Media can access Boeing's online press kit at www.boeing.com/bds/mediakit/2011/iitsec/ for program backgrounders, executive biographies and a link to high-resolution photos.

TUESDAY, Nov. 29
1300-1400: Training Systems & Services Media Roundtable and Live Demonstrations
Boeing booth #749
Mark McGraw, vice president of Boeing Training Systems & Services, will provide an update on current training programs and future opportunities, including KC-46, P-8A Poseidon, Ground Forces Training and international opportunities. Program representatives will exhibit live demonstrations of the Virtual Mission Board, Apache Multi-Role Trainer, F/A-18 Deployable Mission Rehearsal Trainer and more.

Boeing 777 Customers Benefit from 10 New Environmental Actions

• New processes decrease jet fuel used and CO2 emitted during paint and delivery
• Air New Zealand first to implement all 10 environmental actions

 

EVERETT, Wash., Nov. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boeing (NYSE: BA) 777 program is implementing 10 initiatives that will eliminate 5.5 million pounds CO2 emitted and 300,000 gallons of jet fuel used annually during the 777 delivery process. The first customer to benefit from all 10 of the initiatives is Air New Zealand, which took delivery of a 777-300ER (extended range) jetliner Nov. 7.

 

"Air New Zealand is excited to participate," said Duncan Mairs, Air New Zealand's technical manager currently based in Seattle overseeing the airline's 777-300ER deliveries. "We have a wide range of environmental initiatives under way across the business. Being able to find ways to lessen the environmental impact of building an airplane is another excellent step on our journey to becoming the world's most environmentally sustainable airline," he said.

During the 20-day paint and delivery process, Boeing workers incorporated new processes including reducing the number of times potable water and hydraulic filters are changed, using chromate-free primer in the painting process, and enhancing recycling and use of electric carts instead of gas-powered vehicles. Watch a video to see the energy-saving ideas in action: http://bcove.me/gcdn6c0v.

 

"A team of employees identified redundancies in testing," said Jeff Klemann, vice president Everett Delivery Center. "One idea was to eliminate engine-run tests already performed by GE, the 777's engine manufacturer. This will result in a reduction of 1.4 million pounds of CO2 in 2012 as well as less community noise and emissions." 

 

The team also improved flight planning efficiency for pre-delivery test flights. Reducing fuel loads reduces airplane weight, which improves fuel economy. By careful pre-planning flight crews also are able to reduce flight times. The flight-planning initiatives will save a total of 193,155 gallons of jet fuel annually.

 

The chrome-free primer used on the recently delivered Air New Zealand jet reduces the environmental impact of the paint and reduces potential health and safety risks during painting. It also eliminates the need for special handling of paint waste and clean-up, and designated off-site disposal areas. These advantages also provide benefit when the airplane is prepared for repainting.

 

Nine of the environmental initiatives are now implemented on all 777 airplanes delivered. Use of chrome-free primer is optional. Air New Zealand will use chrome-free primer on future 777-300ER deliveries.

A320 fitted with fuel-saving Sharklets prepares for flight-tests

Airbus has completed installation of the first set of 'Sharklet' wing-tip devices on the company's A320 development aircraft (MSN 001), preparing for the flight-test campaign in the coming weeks.

 

Blagnac,  21 November 2011

 

 

 

Sharklets, which have been specially designed for the Airbus A320 Family, will reduce fuel burn by up to 3.5 percent, corresponding to an annual CO2 reduction of around 700 tonnes per aircraft. This reduction is equivalent to the CO2 produced by around 200 cars annually. 

 

These new wingtip devices are around 2.5 metres tall and will replace the aircraft's current wingtip fence. Offered as an option on new-build aircraft, as well as being standard on the A320neo Family, Sharklets will also enhance the aircraft's payload-range and take-off performance.