‍DALLAS — LATAM Airlines Group (LA) is officially the first Latin American-based customer of Lufthansa Technik AG to receive the novel drag-reducing technology. The carrier expects four Boeing 777 aircraft to be equipped with AeroSHARK bionic film.

This decision comes after almost two years of continuous testing of an initial LA aircraft (Boeing 777-300ER) fitted with this technology. Since December 2023, AeroSHARK film has shown a daily one percent reduction in fuel consumption. Considering large-scale operations and long-haul flights, this figure will account for a significant cost reduction in fuel expenses and lower CO2 emissions.

With its five Boeing 777-3000ERs equipped with AeroSHARK technology, LATAM Airlines Brazil will save 2,000 metric tons of kerosene and reduce CO2 emissions by 6,000 metric tons yearly. These numbers are the equivalent of 28 flights from Sao Paolo to Miami operated by the same aircraft type.

Director of Fleet and Projects at LATAM Airlines Group Sebastián Acuto said, “Our fleet modernization strategy is a cornerstone of our commitment to sustainability and our vision of achieving net zero by 2050. We remain focused on innovation and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, ensuring our fleet evolves in line with our environmental goals.” LA’s next aircraft will be modified in November 2024.

Nature-Mimicking Technology 

Biomimicry has proven to be very useful in the aeronautical field over time. A few examples are the inspiration of birds’ way of flying to design airplanes and the positive effects of aircraft winglets that were first observed in large-gliding birds like eagles.

The inspiration for AeroShark technology comes from sharks, a popular ocean species known for its agility and stealth. A unique characteristic of this fish is its denticles, tooth-like structures along their skin that reduce drag and water turbulence, improving their hydrodynamic efficiency. Lufthansa Technik thought about using this natural phenomenon in commercial aviation to benefit from the advantages of this skin pattern in aircraft. 

The result is the successful development and use of AeroSHARK bionic films, which have peculiar microscopic properties and feature textures of small prism-shaped riblets measuring 50 micrometers in height.

These films are sized in patches that are easily applicable on aircraft skin. They are fitted in a specific way to achieve the precise alignment of these riblets with the airflow, reducing drag and skin friction. The bionic film is durable and can withstand pressure and temperature differentials.

A Proven Technology Already in Use

AeroSHARK has already been applied to several Boeing variants. As of June 2024, the entire SWISS (LX) Boeing 777-300ER fleet, four 777Fs from Lufthansa Cargo (LH) fleet, and one LH passenger 747-400, already have this technology.

The Boeing 777-200ER variant is also to be fitted with this technology, with four planes belonging to Austrian Airlines (OS) planned for the modification. These 17 AeroSHARK-modified aircraft within the Lufthansa Group resulted in more than 6,000 metric tons of jet fuel saved and 19,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions avoided.

In Asia, two airlines are embracing this latest technology due to its proven environmental and aircraft operations benefits. All Nippon Airways (NH) is the first airline to equip both passenger and freighter variants of the Boeing 777, with the first modified Boeing 777F (JA771F) already beginning operations in September 2024.

Another passenger aircraft (JA796A) within the same airline will be modified by spring 2025. On the other hand, EVA Air (BR) plans to alter its nine Boeing 777Fs with AeroShark, resulting in an approximate annual saving of 2,500 metric tons of kerosene and 7,800 metric tons of CO2 emissions.