Airbus has rolled out the first new-build A320 with sharklets from its Toulouse facility. The aircraft, MSN 5098, will be one of several A320 family aircraft in the certification flight-test campaign starting in May, which lasts around 600 flight hr., Airbus said.
Airbus completed the first flight of its fuel-saving sharklet wing-tip devices on the company’s A320 development aircraft (MSN 001) in December 2011.
According to Airbus, seven new-build A320 family aircraft—fitted with both CFM56 and V2500 engine types—will test the production-standard sharklets. “The results of the tests will lead up to the certification of these fuel-saving devices on each combination of aircraft model and engine selection,” it said.
The CFM56-powered A320 will be the first to enter service with sharklets during the fourth quarter, the European manufacturer said.
Article Source : ATW Daily News
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