All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline, has announced the extension of AeroSHARK skin technology to its fleet of Boeing 777 passenger aircraft, marking a significant step toward sustainable aviation. Developed by Lufthansa Technik and BASF, AeroSHARK is a biomimetic film applied to an aircraft’s surface, inspired by sharkskin, which reduces aerodynamic drag and improves fuel efficiency.
Previously deployed on ANA’s cargo aircraft, the technology has proven its effectiveness by lowering fuel consumption and cutting carbon emissions. The decision to expand its use to the airline’s passenger fleet underlines ANA’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The AeroSHARK film is applied to the fuselage and engine nacelles, creating tiny riblets that streamline airflow and reduce skin friction during flight. This leads to lower fuel burn up to 1% per aircraft annually which translates to significant savings in both cost and emissions, especially on long-haul international routes.
ANA stated that the rollout will begin with select 777-300ER aircraft used on transcontinental services. The move comes at a time when the aviation industry is under mounting pressure to adopt greener technologies and offset the environmental impact of air travel. Airlines are actively seeking innovations that offer measurable sustainability gains without compromising performance or safety.
Executives from ANA highlighted that the application of AeroSHARK is part of a broader environmental strategy that includes sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), operational efficiencies, and next-generation aircraft investments. The airline has been recognized globally for its environmental leadership and is among the first Asian carriers to integrate this cutting-edge aerodynamic solution.
Meanwhile, Lufthansa Technik noted that interest in AeroSHARK continues to grow among global carriers, with several ongoing evaluations for different aircraft types. The product has received supplemental type certification (STC) from aviation authorities, affirming its safety and compatibility with existing aircraft structures.
ANA’s adoption of AeroSHARK on passenger aircraft positions it at the forefront of sustainable commercial aviation in Asia and reinforces the growing trend of bioinspired innovation in the aerospace industry.
