Air New Zealand unveiled the first of its brand new fuel-efficient Airbus A320 aircraft at the Paris Air Show overnight

Air New Zealand is the launch customer for the aircraft, which features 2.4 metre high curved wing tip devices known as Sharklets that increase fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.

Ten of the Sharklet equipped A320 aircraft will join Air New Zealand’s fleet between now and 2015.

Air New Zealand’s Chief Flight Operations and Safety Officer, Captain David Morgan, says the A320 is at the core of Air New Zealand’s domestic fleet and the airline is committed to moving all domestic flying to this aircraft type to reap the efficiency gains on offer.

“In a seat to seat comparison, the Sharklet equipped A320 will burn 18% less fuel per passenger compared with our Boeing 737-300 jets, which are scheduled to be phased out of our fleet over the next couple of years.

“From a CO2 perspective, each Sharklet equipped A320 aircraft will save 250 tonnes of carbon per year compared with an A320 without Sharklets.”

The Paris Air Show is the world’s oldest and largest aviation event and brings together industry players from across the globe to showcase the latest technological developments in the field.

This is the 50th Le Bourget Paris Air Show and Captain Morgan says Air New Zealand is proud to have its aircraft selected to be part of the Airbus display at this prestigious event.
Air New Zealand