IndiGo takes delivery of Sharklet equipped Airbus A320

IndiGo has taken delivery of its first A320 aircraft equipped with Sharklet fuel saving wing tip devices, becoming the first Indian carrier to do so, the airline has announced.

Sharklets are newly designed wing-tip devices that improve the aircraft's aerodynamics and significantly cut the airline's fuel burn and emissions by four per cent on longer sectors.

This milestone makes IndiGo the first airline globally to introduce on A320 aircraft powered by IAE engines.

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According to a statement released here on Tuesday, all future A320 aircraft to be delivered to IndiGo shall be fitted with the Sharklet wing tip devices.

IndiGo placed an order for 100 A320 aircraft in 2005 and was the first Indian airline to order the NEO (New Engine Option) with a contract for 150 A320neo and 30 A320s placed in 2011.

"Our environmentally friendly fleet of the A320s will set a benchmark by significantly reducing the impact on the environment and lead the way to a more sustainable mode of flying. 'Sharklets' fitted A320s will help us extend these benefits to our customers, as they select IndiGo, India's greenest carrier," IndiGo President Aditya Ghosh said in the statement.

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"With high fuel prices and with a four per cent fuel burn reduction, IndiGo's investment in the Sharklet will pay handsome dividends, said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer - Customers. "We are delighted with IndiGo's choice to grow their airline with Airbus," Leahy said.