Air Astana takes delivery of its first Sharklet equipped A320

Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, has taken delivery of its first A320 aircraft equipped with Airbus’ Sharklet fuel saving wing tip devices. The airline becomes the first in the region to benefit from the new wing-tip devices. Air Astana’s A320, powered by IAE V2500 engines, features a comfortable two class cabin, seating 148 passengers with 16 in business class and 132 in economy.

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. They are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 meters tall. Sharklets are an option on A320 Family aircraft. They offer the flexibility to A320 Family operators of either adding around 100 nautical miles more range or allowing an increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.

“We are delighted to receive our first A320 Sharklet equipped aircraft which will optimize our operating costs significantly, while reducing the environmental impact,” said Peter Foster, President and CEO Air Astana.

“With the delivery of their first Sharklet equipped A320, Air Astana will benefit from lower operating costs and extended range. Further A320 Family aircraft that will be delivered later this year will contribute to the airline’s expansion and growth plans,” said John Leahy Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

Air Astana started commercial service with its first Airbus aircraft, an A320, in 2006, and is currently operating one A319, seven A320s and four A321s.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, over 9,400 aircraft have been ordered and over 5,500 delivered to more than 385 customers and operators worldwide. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft.