Lufthansa Enhances Sustainability with Sharkskin Technology on Boeing Fleet
In a novel approach to sustainability, Lufthansa Group is leveraging biomimicry by introducing sharkskin-inspired technology on its aircraft to reduce carbon emissions effectively. This innovative strategy employs a special AeroSHARK film that simulates the unique texture of sharkskin, aiming to enhance aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
The aviation industry, responsible for approximately 2.5% of global carbon emissions, faces significant challenges in its journey towards decarbonization. High-altitude emissions from aircraft have a pronounced effect on atmospheric warming, nearly double that of ground-level emissions. The quest for viable alternatives to jet fuel, which has a substantially higher energy density than options like hydrogen or biofuels, presents a formidable challenge due to the critical weight and volume considerations in aircraft design.
Synthetic carbon fuels and biofuels have been explored as potential substitutes for traditional jet fuel. However, these alternatives bring their own set of complications, including high production costs and possible diversion of resources from food production. In this context, Lufthansa’s adoption of sharkskin technology represents a promising step forward in reducing reliance on conventional fuels without the need for drastic changes in fuel type or aircraft design.
Lufthansa plans to equip four Boeing 777-200ER aircraft operated by Austrian Airlines with this technology, adding to the 17 aircraft already featuring the AeroSHARK film. This includes a Lufthansa Boeing 747-400, twelve Swiss Boeing 777-200ERs, and four Lufthansa Cargo Boeing 777Fs. The sharkskin film covers nearly 9,000 square feet of the aircraft’s surface, including the fuselage and engine nacelles, featuring 50-micron-thick riblets that decrease friction by minimizing turbulent boundary layers.
The efficiency gains from this technology are relatively modest—about a 1% reduction in fuel consumption per flight—but the cumulative impact is significant. This reduction translates to thousands of tons of CO2 savings annually on long-haul flights. Although the Boeing 777-200ERs are nearing the end of their service life, Austrian Airlines COO Francesco Sciortino emphasizes the importance of this investment, stating, “We take our responsibility seriously and take every possible step to reduce CO2 emissions within our flight operations.”
The implementation of sharkskin technology on Lufthansa’s fleet is scheduled for completion by March of the following year. This initiative not only underscores the airline’s commitment to its CO2 reduction targets but also highlights the potential for innovative solutions in the ongoing struggle to balance environmental responsibilities with the operational and economic realities of the airline industry.
As airlines worldwide grapple with the dual imperatives of reducing emissions and managing costs, Lufthansa’s approach offers a glimpse into how innovative applications of natural phenomena can contribute to more sustainable aviation practices.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, arstechnica.com