New Cebu Pacific plane equipped with energy-saving 'Sharklets'

With the delivery of a new Airbus A320 on Monday, Cebu Pacific Air became the first airline in the country to use new fuel-saving wing-tip devices called Sharklets. According to Airbus, the 2.4-meter-long Sharklets are made of lightweight composites and allow planes to reduce fuel burn by as much as 4 percent on longer flights, as well as enable A320 Family planes to add some 100 nautical miles to their range or take on as much as 450 kilograms more of payload capability. Sharklets are an optional feature on new-build A320 Family aircraft and are standard on all A320neo Family models. The Sharklets, said Cebu Air president and CEO Lance Y. Gokongwei, will allow planes to “consume less fuel, give off lower emissions, and increase its range, among others. It is an innovation that will maximize our fuel savings so we can pass it on to our passengers.” “The Sharklet-fitted version of the A320 will enable the airline to benefit from even lower operating costs and further enhance its competitive position in the fast-growing Asian market,” said Airbus chief operating officer (Customers)  John Leahy. — BM, GMA News