Nepal_Airlines_Sharklets

Nepal Airlines (NAC) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbus for the purchase of two A320 aircraft equipped with Sharklets.

Sharklets are an optional feature on the new-build A320 airliners, and are standard on all variants of the A320neo jets.

Made from lightweight composites, the 2.4m tall parts offer the flexibility of adding some 100nm more range or increasing payload capabilities of up to 992lb.

The wing-tip units enable carriers to reduce fuel burn by up to 4% on long-haul routes, according to Airbus.

The A320 is designed to benefit from required navigation performance (RNP) allowing the aircraft to fly precisely along predefined routes by using onboard navigation systems, which is particularly useful for operations at high-altitude airports that are constrained by mountains such as Kathmandu

Nepal Airlines managing director Madan Kharel said: "Adding the A320 to our fleet will help us capitalise on tourism growth and enhance our network using the most fuel-efficient aircraft available."

"Adding the A320 to our fleet will help us capitalise on tourism growth and enhance our network using the most fuel-efficient aircraft available."

Airbus customers COO John Leahy said the A320 is the most capable and efficient aircraft that can serve challenging airports such as Kathmandu

"The Sharklets will deliver 4% less fuel burn, so for a landlocked nation such as Nepal these aircraft will be a lifeline and economic driver for prosperity," Leahy added.

NAC was established on 1 July 1958 through the enactment of the Nepal Airlines Corporation Act 1962.

Currently, the carrier operates flights to four international destinations and 25 domestic locations in the Himalayas.

The A320 family includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321 and is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft line.

To date, more than 9,400 A320 aircraft have been sold to in excess of 385 customers and operators worldwide.

Image: Nepal Airlines stated that the new A320s would allow it to enhance its existing network and also help it to capitalise on tourism growth. Photo: courtesy of Fixion / Airbus SAS.

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