ANA integrates AeroSHARK Technology in the Boeing 777 fleet, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline, has introduced a new addition to its fleet, a Boeing 777 featuring AeroSHARK technology. Known for its “FLYING HONU” Airbus A380s with turtle-themed designs, ANA has now expanded its marine life-inspired aircraft collection. The AeroSHARK surface technology, inspired by shark skin, reduces drag and improves fuel efficiency. Notably, ANA is the first airline to operate both passenger and freighter versions of the Boeing 777 equipped with this innovative technology.
The first modified Boeing 777F (JA771F) began scheduled cargo flights today. ANA plans to extend AeroSHARK technology to a passenger aircraft (JA796A) by next spring. This move demonstrates ANA’s commitment to investing in fuel-efficient technologies that lower emissions and enhance sustainability.
Developed jointly by Lufthansa Technik and BASF, AeroSHARK is a surface film modeled after sharkskin’s drag-reducing properties. The film includes riblets, each about 50 micrometers in size. Under the guidance of Lufthansa Technik, ANA’s MRO partner has applied several hundred square meters of these riblet films to JA771F’s fuselage. As a result, JA771F has resumed commercial service with its first AeroSHARK-optimized flight from Tokyo-Narita to Chicago-O’Hare.
Despite its nearly invisible riblet modification, AeroSHARK is anticipated to provide substantial fuel and emissions savings. Specifically, the Boeing 777F and 777-300ER aircraft will feature the sharkskin-inspired film over almost their entire fuselage. Consequently, each aircraft is projected to achieve annual savings of approximately 250 metric tons of fuel and 800 metric tons of CO2.
Kohei Tsuji, member of the board, executive vice president, engineering and maintenance center at ANA, said, “The introduction of AeroSHARK technology on our Boeing 777 aircraft marks a significant milestone in our sustainability strategy, in support of our broader goal of reducing carbon emissions across our fleet. We are proud to be the first airline in the world to implement this innovative technology to both passenger and freighter version of the Boeing 777, reinforcing our dedication to delivering excellence and reducing our carbon footprint.”
ANA will commence operations with two Boeing 777 aircraft equipped with riblet films. The airline aims to assess the technology’s effectiveness in daily operations. Following this, ANA plans to extend its use to other aircraft of the same type. This effort is part of the ANA Group’s medium- to long-term environmental strategy. Additionally, it aligns with the broader “ANA Future Promise” initiative, which focuses on achieving a sustainable society and promoting ESG management.
Dennis Kohr, senior vice president corporate sales Asia Pacific at Lufthansa Technik, said, “Drawing inspiration from nature is deeply rooted in Japanese arts and culture. Therefore, what airline could be a better fit for our nature-inspired AeroSHARK than the world-famous ‘Inspiration of Japan’? We are delighted to extend our long-lasting and fruitful cooperation with All Nippon Airways onto a proven solution to reduce their carbon footprint. I am confident that AeroSHARK will support ANA in becoming an ever-greener ‘Inspiration of Japan’.”
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Lufthansa Technik holds Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for AeroSHARK modifications on various Boeing 777 models. This technology is now being adopted by airlines worldwide. Currently, approximately 20 long-haul aircraft are operating with AeroSHARK. Furthermore, this number continues to grow steadily.
BASF and Lufthansa Technik remain dedicated to advancing AeroSHARK to support more airlines in meeting their sustainability goals. Currently, efforts are focused on expanding approvals to include additional aircraft types and covering larger surface areas. Initial model calculations indicate that, at full expansion, sharkskin technology could reduce CO2 emissions by up to three percent.
Q. – What new technology has ANA introduced in its Boeing 777 fleet?
A. – AeroSHARK technology.
Q. – What is AeroSHARK inspired by?
A. – Shark skin.
