Lufthansa Cargo has announced that it will equip its entire fleet of Boeing 777 freighters with AeroSHARK technology by the end of 2027. AeroSHARK is a functional surface film that imitates the microscopic structure of shark skin to reduce aerodynamic drag, resulting in significant fuel and emissions savings.
Lufthansa Cargo began equipping its 777 freighters with AeroSHARK in February 2023, and has already modified four aircraft. The company expects to save more than 4,000 metric tons of kerosene per year and almost 13,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions by using AeroSHARK. This corresponds to about 53 cargo flights from Frankfurt to Shanghai.
“The special coating significantly reduces the frictional resistance of the aircraft,” said Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo. “Together with the lightweight cargo equipment we already use today, this technology will enable us to save 5,493 tons of kerosene per year. This is an important step on our way to becoming 100 percent CO2-neutral in the air by 2050.”
AeroSHARK was jointly developed by Lufthansa Technik and BASF. It is a thin, lightweight film that is applied to the fuselage and engine nacelles of the aircraft. The film's microscopic structure creates a series of tiny riblets that disrupt the airflow and reduce drag.
Lufthansa Cargo's investment in AeroSHARK technology is part of its broader commitment to sustainability. The company is also working to reduce its emissions by using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and investing in energy-efficient ground operations.
"We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable aviation industry," said Bhat. "AeroSHARK technology is just one of the ways we are working to achieve our goal of becoming CO2-neutral by 2050."
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