Evergreen’s Second Star Alliance-Liveried Aircraft Arrives in Taiwan, Equipped with “Sharklets”

▲ Evergreen Airline’s second Star Alliance-liveried A321-200 is the first passenger aircraft in Taiwan to feature “Sharklets.” (Photo provided by Evergreen Airline)

Tourism Center / Taipei Report

Evergreen Airline’s second Star Alliance-liveried A321-200 aircraft arrived in Taiwan today (23rd), personally welcomed by Chairman Chang Kuo-wei, who led a team to the assembly plant in Hamburg, Germany. This is also the first passenger aircraft in Taiwan equipped with “Sharklets,” which will be deployed on medium and short-haul routes after final preparations.

When Evergreen officially joined the Star Alliance in June this year, it introduced its first Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in Star Alliance livery in accordance with alliance regulations, primarily operating long-haul routes to Europe and America. Today, alongside the delivery of its fifth A321-200 aircraft, the airline has unveiled its second Star Alliance-liveried plane.

This new aircraft is the first in Taiwan to be equipped with “Sharklets,” an energy-saving device installed on the wingtips, specially designed and developed by Airbus for its A320 series aircraft. Made from composite materials and standing 2.4 meters tall, it enhances the aircraft’s fuel efficiency.According to data provided by Airbus, this device can reduce fuel consumption by 4% and cut approximately 700 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Additionally, it improves takeoff performance and extends the aircraft’s range. Evergreen Airline also stated that all 13 A321-200 aircraft scheduled for future delivery will be equipped with Sharklets.

Evergreen Airline noted that the four A321-200 aircraft already delivered and in service will be gradually deployed on routes to Northeast Asia, across the Taiwan Strait, and to Southeast Asia, based on comprehensive assessments including route passenger demand and fleet scheduling efficiency. The 18 A321-200 aircraft under contract are set to be delivered progressively from October 2012 to the end of 2015, gradually replacing the MD-90 fleet. In addition, seven 777-300ER aircraft ordered from Boeing last May are expected to begin delivery in April 2014 and will be fully delivered by June 2016. Upon completion, Evergreen Airline’s fleet will exceed 70 aircraft.