Cebu_Pacific_Sharklet_in_flight

Philippines budget carrier Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) has taken the delivery of first Airbus A320 equipped with Sharklets in Manila, becoming the first operator of the fuel-saving wing tip in the country.

Airbus stated that the wing-tip devices enabled carriers to reduce fuel burn by up to 4% on long-haul routes.

"The additional economic and environmental efficiencies offered by the Sharklet-fitted version of the A320 will enable the airline to benefit from even lower operating costs and further enhance its competitive position in the fast-growing Asian market."

Sharklets are an optional feature on the new-build A320 airliners, and are standard on all the variants of the A320neo jets.

Made from lightweight composites, the 2.4m tall sharklets, offer the flexibility of adding about 100 nautical miles more range or increasing payload capability of up to 992lbs.

Airbus COO Customers John Leahy said: "The additional economic and environmental efficiencies offered by the Sharklet-fitted version of the A320 will enable the airline to benefit from even lower operating costs and further enhance its competitive position in the fast-growing Asian market."

CEB president and chief executive officer Lance Gokongwei said that taking the delivery of the A320 with Sharklets is in line with the company’s strategy to operate the most-modern fleet possible.

"Thanks to the 4% fuel savings offered by the Sharklets, we will further benefit from the A320 family’s unbeatable operating costs, making sure we remain competitive by offering low fares, together with the most extensive route network, to our passengers," Gokongwei added.

Cebu Pacific Air operates 34 A320 aircraft, and has ordered a further 18 A320ceo and 30 A321neo.

The firm offers services on domestic and international network covering 32 destinations in the Philippines and 21 business and leisure destinations across Asia.

To date, Airbus has received more than 9,000 orders for A320 jetliners, with 5,400 having already been delivered to more than 380 customers and operators worldwide.

Image: Cebu Pacific Air becomes the first Philippine airline to operate Airbus A320 equipped with sharklets. Photo: Airbus SAS 2013 / H Goussé.