Lufthansa Technik says interest in its AeroSHARK surface film is rising globally as older widebodies operate longer than planned because of delivery delays for new generation aircraft.
Taiwan’s EVA Air has become the first Asian airline to sign for application of Lufthansa Technik’s and BASF’s drag-reducing riblet AeroSHARK film on its Boeing 777F fleet, the company announced Aug. 23.
“We are in very advanced discussions with several [airline] customers and see worldwide potential for AeroSHARK,” a Lufthansa Technik spokesperson said on Aug. 23. “In the next few weeks there will be several announcements from airlines based on several continents. The number of expressions of interest from various airlines are in the mid-double-digit range. So, we are already being approached about this product.”
Taipei-based EVA Air is modifying its nine 777Fs with the riblet film, which will be applied to each aircraft’s fuselage and engine nacelles. “About 40% of the surface of a 777F will be covered with the riblet films,” the spokesperson said.
Aircraft B-16786 was EVA Air’s first freighter to undergo comprehensive modification at the airline’s home base at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport. Closely guided by Lufthansa Technik, the modification was executed by EVA Air’s affiliate, Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corporation (EGAT). The aircraft is expected to re-enter commercial service in early September. EVA Air’s entire 777F cargo fleet is expected to be equipped until 2027.
The EVA Air statement came just days after Austrian Airlines announced it is equipping four 777-200ERs with AeroSHARK, marking the technology’s debut on the 777-200ER.
AeroSHARK is currently flying so far only on 17 Lufthansa Group aircraft. These comprise a single Lufthansa 747-400, 12 Swiss 777-300ERs and four Lufthansa Cargo 777Fs.
The Lufthansa 747-400 was the very first aircraft fitted with AeroSHARK in 2019. The AeroSHARK design lifecycle is a minimum of four years. “But the 747 demonstrates that the surface film can be used longer,” the spokesperson said. “AeroSHARK has been around for quite some time. The Lufthansa Group is considered a pioneer and the last doubts [from other airlines] have been eliminated.” The spokesperson noted that AeroSHARK is no longer just a project. “It was clear from the start that we also offer the product outside the Lufthansa Group as well,” he said.
“Using AeroSHARK makes the most sense on long-haul flights at cruise level, but in principle it works on any aircraft,” the spokesperson said. The product is touted as delivering 1% fuel saving and emissions reduction planned for each sharkskin-modified aircraft. Current development priorities include approvals for additional aircraft types, possibly the A330.
Application on larger surface areas is also being explored. “We are in talks with Airbus and Boeing, who know their product very well. ... we can achieve a larger number of square meters of AeroSHARK surfaces,” the spokesperson said. “Then up to 3% of savings could be achieved.”
