ANA Applies Fuel-Saving AeroSHARK to 777-300ER
ANA announced on April 28, 2025, that it will roll out AeroSHARK riblet film across its Boeing 777-300ER passenger fleet in a bid to cut fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The Japanese carrier, which began trialling the shark skin–inspired coating on one of its Boeing 777 freighters last September, said the durable bionic film has already delivered roughly a 1 percent reduction in fuel burn and CO2 output. By mimicking the microgrooved texture of shark skin, AeroSHARK optimises airflow over the aircraft’s surfaces, helping airlines shrink their environmental footprint without compromising performance.
Developed by Lufthansa Technik in partnership with chemical giant BASF, AeroSHARK is a thin, flexible film treated with microscopic riblets that guide airflow and minimise drag. Lufthansa Technik estimates that if long-haul aircraft worldwide adopted this technology, the industry could save nearly five million tonnes of kerosene and cut carbon emissions by millions of tonnes each year. Following successful cargo operations, ANA will expand the coating to its passenger-configured 777-300ER fleet in stages, targeting its medium- to long-term sustainability goals.
“This innovative technology is building a more sustainable future for ANA and the aviation industry,” said Kohei Tsuji, Executive Vice President of Engineering and the Maintenance Center at ANA. He added that fitting the AeroSHARK film on additional 777-300ERs underlines the airline’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and improving operational efficiency. ANA has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality on its domestic and international routes by 2050, and advanced drag-reduction measures such as AeroSHARK play a key role in that roadmap.
The 777-300ER, ANA’s workhorse for long-haul flights to Europe, North America and Asia, will benefit immediately from the coating. Each retrofit requires meticulous surface preparation and precise application of the film to critical wing and fuselage sections. Once installed, AeroSHARK withstands high-speed operations, extreme weather and heavy maintenance cycles, delivering continuous drag reduction without significant upkeep.
Industry analysts view ANA’s move as a bellwether for broader adoption of biomimetic surface treatments. As carriers worldwide pursue aggressive emissions-reduction targets, proven fuel-saving technologies offer tangible returns through lower kerosene bills and reduced environmental levies. AeroSHARK’s performance on ANA’s freighter trial has already attracted interest from other launch partners, and Lufthansa Technik is in discussions with multiple airlines to extend the film to additional widebody and narrowbody models.
In addition to AeroSHARK, ANA is exploring other low-carbon solutions such as sustainable aviation fuels and electric ground-support equipment. The airline’s sustainability strategy combines technological innovation, fleet renewal and operational best practices to drive down greenhouse gas emissions across its entire network. Its parent, ANA Holdings, has set interim targets for 2030 in line with the Japanese government’s climate commitments.
By applying AeroSHARK riblet film to its Boeing 777-300ER fleet, ANA aims to deliver immediate fuel savings and support its long-term vision of achieving net-zero emissions. Passengers flying on the coated jets will not only benefit from ANA’s signature service and modern cabin amenities but can also take comfort in knowing their travel generates a smaller environmental impact. As airlines navigate the twin challenges of rising fuel costs and climate change, ANA’s embrace of AeroSHARK demonstrates how biomimicry and collaboration with technology partners can unlock new pathways to greener skies.
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