Avianca Takes Delivery of Sharklet Equipped Airbus A320

Avianca, the Colombia-based airline, has taken delivery of its first Sharklet equipped Airbus A320 becoming the first Latin American carrier to take benefit of the new fuel-saving wing-tip devices.

The A320, powered by CFM engines, was delivered to Avianca in Toulouse, France.

Sharklets are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 meters tall. They are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft and allow Airbus’ airline customers to reduce fuel burn by up to 4% and CO2 emissions by approximately 1,000 tons per aircraft and year.

Sharklets offer operators the flexibility of either adding an additional 100 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.

"With the delivery of this new aircraft equipped with Sharklets, Avianca advances the process of modernizing its fleet, while improving efficiency, reducing fuel burn and increasing range," said Fabio Villegas, CEO of Avianca.