Introduction of AeroSHARK Technology
All Nippon Airways (ANA), a leading airline in Japan, has made a significant advancement in aviation technology by introducing the AeroSHARK surface coating on its Boeing 777 freighter and passenger aircraft. This innovative technology, inspired by the microstructure of shark skin, aims to enhance aerodynamic efficiency by reducing drag, thus leading to improved fuel efficiency and reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
The first Boeing 777 Freighter, bearing the registration JA771F, equipped with AeroSHARK, commenced its operations with a cargo flight from Tokyo-Narita to Chicago-O’Hare on September 2, 2024. This marks a pivotal step in ANA’s commitment to sustainability, as it becomes the first airline to apply this technology on both freighter and passenger variants of the same aircraft model.
Benefits of AeroSHARK Technology
The AeroSHARK technology involves a surface film that mimics the fine scale texture of shark skin. This texture, composed of tiny riblets measuring about 50 micrometers, significantly reduces the friction between the aircraft surface and the air. This reduction in drag translates into lower fuel consumption and, consequently, fewer emissions. ANA’s implementation of the AeroSHARK on a Boeing 777 is expected to save approximately 250 metric tons of fuel and reduce carbon emissions by around 800 metric tons per aircraft annually.
Such technological advancements are in line with ANA’s broader environmental strategy, part of the ‘ANA Future Promise’ initiative. This initiative focuses on integrating sustainable practices across all operations to support the global fight against climate change and promote environmental stewardship within the aviation industry.
Collaboration and Future Plans
The AeroSHARK technology is a collaborative innovation between Lufthansa Technik and BASF, the German chemical company. The successful application of this technology on ANA’s aircraft was carried out under the supervision of Lufthansa Technik, highlighting a strong partnership focused on sustainability solutions. Following the positive outcomes of the initial implementations, ANA plans to extend AeroSHARK to more aircraft within its fleet, starting with another Boeing 777 passenger aircraft by spring 2025.
As the technology proves its effectiveness in operational conditions, ANA intends to conduct further evaluations and potentially expand its use to additional aircraft models. This ongoing assessment will help determine the full impact of the technology on the operational efficiency and environmental footprint of the airline’s fleet.
Global Impact and Industry Adoption
The introduction of AeroSHARK by ANA sets a precedent in the aviation industry, encouraging other airlines to consider similar sustainable technologies. Lufthansa Technik and BASF are committed to evolving AeroSHARK, aiming to expand its application to other aircraft types and increase the surface area covered, which could further enhance fuel savings and reduce emissions. Preliminary models suggest that, at its full potential, the technology could reduce carbon emissions by up to 3% per aircraft.
This initiative not only supports ANA’s sustainability goals but also contributes to the global effort to create a more sustainable aviation industry. With approximately 20 long-haul aircraft already equipped with AeroSHARK and in service worldwide, the future looks promising for widespread adoption of this eco-friendly technology.