Containing and solving the problem - sharklet spares now fit into A320 cargo holds

To meet a clear requirement from Airbus A320 family operators, Satair Group has decided to re-design and reduce the size of the container used to transport the Single Aisle Sharklet wing tip device that is proving so popular with customers.

The newly designed compact container will replace all the former containers in Satair Group warehouses by the end of the first quarter 2018.

The problem with the former container is that it is unable to fit into the cargo holds of the A320 family passenger aircraft. So, if a Sharklet-equipped aircraft had an AOG situation at a smaller airport with perhaps a shorter runway or other operational restrictions, the bigger aircraft used to transport the container would not be able to land. This meant inconvenience, increased cost and extra downtime to the operator as the Sharklet would have to be transported by road to the airport.

The new compact container solution therefore opens up wider transportations options by air and supports the continuous growth in the worldwide Single Aisle Airbus fleet where some 7,500 aircraft are currently flying with more than 300 operators, and a further 6,000 aircraft are on order.

There are a number of other benefits to operators from this container re-design. The new container now fits into the cargo holds of the A319, A320 and A321 aircraft and it will accommodate both Current Engine Option (CEO) and New Engine Option (NEO) Sharklets. Furthermore the new container is designed along the Sharklet shape and the container has a 50% weight-saving.

This re-designed container will make life so much simpler for A320 family operators who operate into shorter airfields and is a further example of Airbus and Satair Group efforts for continuous improvements and customer satisfaction.