First Modified Aircraft Begins Cargo Flights

Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) recently upgraded one of its Boeing 777 aircraft with AeroSHARK technology. This sharkskin-inspired film is intended to reduce drag, increasing fuel efficiency.

ANA is Japan's largest airline and has a history with the marine-life theme. The carrier is known for its turtle-inspired Airbus A380s, titled “FLYING HONU.” And, as of September 2, they have expanded the ocean motif by incorporating AeroSHARK skin on a Boeing 777. This addition makes ANA the first individual airline to operate AeroSHARK on passenger and cargo versions of the 777.

Cargo flights with their first modified aircraft, JA771F, kicked off in early September with a flight from Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (KORD). Plans are already underway to bring the tech to one of ANA’s passenger aircraft, JA796A, by the spring of 2025.

“The introduction of AeroSHARK technology on our Boeing 777 aircraft marks a significant milestone in our sustainability strategy,” explained ANA Executive VP Kohei Tsuji, “ in support of our broader goal of reducing carbon emissions across our fleet.”

AeroSHARK was developed by Lufthansa Technik and BASF. It is a sharkskin-like surface film featuring nearly invisible “riblets” about 50 micrometers in size. The company is contracted to be utilized on Boeing 777F and 777-300ER aircraft, forecasting 250 metric tons of fuel and 800 metric tons of CO2 savings per plane.

Lufthansa Technik holds Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for AeroSHARK additions on several Boeing 777 variants. Several airlines have jumped on the wagon, with 17 total modified aircraft in service. This includes twelve Boeing 777-300ERs from Swiss International Airlines and four 777F plus one 777-400 from Lufthansa Cargo. The Lufthansa gang has accumulated over 100,000 flight hours with AeroSHARK.

“We are proud to be the first airline in the world to implement this innovative technology to both passenger and freighter version of the Boeing 777, reinforcing our dedication to delivering excellence and reducing our carbon footprint,” Tsuji continued.

FMI: www.lufthansa-technik.com, www.ana.co.jp/en/us