Japan Airlines Co, Ltd., in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and O-Well Corporation, has introduced riblet-shaped coating on its Boeing 787-9 aircraft. This initiative marks the first application of such technology in the global aviation sector, aiming to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

The aircraft, designated JA868J, has undergone its inaugural flight equipped with the riblet coating, which is expected to significantly decrease drag and improve fuel consumption. This development is a part of the ongoing efforts to promote decarbonization in aviation.

Innovation Towards Decarbonization
JAL, JAXA, and O-Well are committed to addressing environmental sustainability in aviation. The riblet coating is applied using the Paint-to-Paint Method, a technique refined by O-Well and JAXA which enhances durability compared to traditional decal applications. Since July 2022, durability tests have been conducted on JAL’s domestic Boeing fleet.

At present, applying this innovative technology promises to enhance fuel efficiency during long-haul international flights, potentially saving around 119 tonnes of fuel annually, thereby reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 381 tons, equivalent to the carbon absorption of about 27,000 cedar trees.