Air Arabia is Middle East launch customer for the Airbus "sharklet"

Sharklets are an option on new-build Airbus A320 family aircraft, which are equipped with fuel-saving large wing tip devices. They are not called winglets for legal reasons but deliver a similar effect.

They are made from light-weight composites, and the newly designed wing-tip devices reduce fuel burn and emissions by improving the aerodynamics of the aircraft significantly.

“The delivery of the new aircraft marks yet another step in Air Arabia’s fleet expansion strategy, while creating the industry's most modern fleet. The new aircraft has gone straight into service across Air Arabia’s network of 82 destinations.,” an airline spokesman said.

“We are extremely proud to become the first airline in the Middle East region to take delivery of an A320 fitted with Airbus’ new, fuel saving Sharklets,” said Adel Ali, group chief executive officer. “Air Arabia has a long-standing commitment to operational efficiency and fuel saving. These new wing tip devices will contribute to fulfilling our goal of becoming one of the world’s most efficient and innovative low cost airlines.”

Air Arabia has now received 15 of the 44 A320 aircraft it has ordered from Airbus in 2007. The delivery of the 44 new aircraft will be completed by 2016, and will more than double the size of Air Arabia’s fleet. It expects to take delivery of seven new A320 aircraft in 2013.