EasyJet flights: Popular UK airline adding new wingtip devices to older Airbus planes to boost fuel efficiency
EasyJet is adding new wingtip devices to some of its oldest aircraft to boost their fuel efficiency.
The airline said it will retrofit its seven Airbus A320ceo jets – which are up to 12 years old – by adding sharklets to their wings. The curved devices are more aerodynamic than existing wingtips, delivering a 4% fuel saving.
EasyJet said this will reduce each plane’s annual carbon emissions by 970 tonnes. It added that it will also increase the range of its planes by 100 nautical miles, and enable them to carry six more passengers.
The aircraft being upgraded operate from key bases across easyJet’s network, including Gatwick airport in West Sussex. The programme is due to be completed by the summer.
David Morgan, chief operating officer at easyJet, said: “Retrofitting our A320ceo aircraft with sharklets is another small but important step in our mission to operate as efficiently as possible. These upgrades deliver immediate reductions in fuel burn and carbon emissions, and form part of many innovative solutions we’re employing to improve our efficiency and lower our impact.”
EasyJet said it is “on track” to meet its 2022 pledge of achieving a 35% reduction in carbon emissions per passenger kilometre by 2035 compared with 2019 levels.