Aerospace

Airbus Corporate Jets wins first in-service ACJ319 Sharklet retrofit

Posted 21 May 2014

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

Above: Airbus Benoit Defforge, Managing Director, Airbus Corporate Jets (left) and Andrea Zanetto, CEO, Fly Comlux.

Switzerland's corporate charter airline Comlux - The Aviation Group, 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.