ANA Implements Fuel-Saving Riblet Technology

All Nippon Airways (ANA) is set to become the first airline in Asia to adopt AeroSHARK, a cutting-edge riblet film that enhances fuel efficiency on its Boeing 777 aircraft. This innovative technology marks a landmark in aviation, enabling both cargo and passenger variants of the Boeing 777 to benefit from reduced frictional resistance, leading to decreased fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.

A specific aircraft, the Boeing 777-300ER, equipped with this advanced technology, is scheduled to commence commercial flights today.

The AeroSHARK film, designed based on the unique texture of shark skin, has demonstrated an approximate reduction in fuel consumption and emissions by 1%. This achievement reaffirms ANA’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Kohei Tsuji, ANA’s executive vice president of engineering and maintenance, remarked:

“The implementation of the AeroSHARK technology on more ANA aircraft represents our ongoing commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and improve operational efficiency.”

Joern Dahmen from Lufthansa Technik expressed pride in supporting ANA’s sustainability efforts:

“ANA’s implementation of AeroSHARK on both freighter and passenger aircraft highlights the potential of retrofitting existing fleets to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.”

In a move to educate passengers on this technology, promotional decals will be displayed, allowing them direct interaction with the riblet features during flights. ANA plans to extend this initiative across its fleet of similar aircraft as part of its long-term environmental strategy, known as the ANA Future Promise.

Lufthansa Technik holds Supplemental Type Certificates for the AeroSHARK modifications, currently adopted by several airlines globally, with about 28 long-haul aircraft already utilizing this technology, and the figure rising consistently.

Furthermore, BASF and Lufthansa Technik are dedicated to ongoing advancements of AeroSHARK to facilitate airlines in meeting their sustainability objectives, including expanding approvals for more aircraft types.