Qingdao Airlines’ first A320 is equipped with Sharklets

Chinese airline Qingdao Airlines is set to launch operations, and has taken delivery an Airbus A320 on lease from Hong Kong’s China Aircraft Leasing Company (CALC).

The carrier will make its first commercial flight from Qingdao in Eastern China to Chengdu, capital city of Sichuan Province, later this month.

The aircraft is the first of 23 A320 Family jets ordered by Qingdao Airlines.

Powered by CFM56 engines, Qingdao Airlines’ A320 is equipped with Sharklets, fuel-saving wingtip devices, and features a two-class cabin with eight business and 144 economy class seats.

"The aircraft is the first of 23 A320 Family jets ordered by Qingdao Airlines."

Speaking about the development, Qingdao Airlines chairman Song Zuowen said: "We are looking forward to starting operation with this brand new Airbus A320 to offer our passengers a new option for air travel in the fast-growing Chinese market."

Made from lightweight composites, Sharklets measure 2.4m in length, and come as an option on new-build A320 aircraft and are standard on all members of the new A320neo Family aircraft.

The components deliver up to 4% fuel burn reduction on longer range sectors, and offer the flexibility of either providing an additional 100nm range or increased payload capability of up to 450kg.

Airbus Customers chief operating officer John Leahy said: "The A320 with Sharklets offers unbeatable economics and serve Qingdao’s growth plans well."

To date, Airbus received orders for more than 10,200 aircraft, with in excess of 6,000 delivered to operators worldwide.


Image: Qingdao Airlines’ first A320 is equipped with Sharklets. Photo: courtesy of Airbus SAS.

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