ANA Becomes Asia’s First Airline to Use AeroSHARK on 777

All Nippon Airways Makes History with Boeing 777 Equipped with AeroSHARK Technology

TOKYO – All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline and a proud recipient of a 5-star rating for 12 consecutive years, has reached a remarkable milestone in aviation. On April 28, 2025, ANA became the first airline in Asia to operate a Boeing 777 passenger aircraft featuring the innovative AeroSHARK technology. This cutting-edge riblet film, developed collaboratively by Lufthansa Technik and BASF, represents a significant leap forward in fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability.

The introduction of AeroSHARK marks the first global application of this technology across both passenger and cargo variants of the Boeing 777 aircraft, setting a new standard for operational efficiency in the aviation industry.

ANA’s Boeing 777 with AeroSHARK Technology

The newly modified Boeing 777-300ER (registration JA796A) has officially commenced commercial operations, joining ANA’s existing Boeing 777 Freighter (registration JA771F), which has utilized AeroSHARK since September 2024. This dual application across different aircraft types underscores ANA’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

The AeroSHARK film mimics the microscopic structure of shark skin, effectively minimizing hydrodynamic resistance (drag). When applied to aircraft surfaces, this specially designed film reduces frictional resistance between the aircraft and the surrounding airflow, leading to significant benefits:

• Fuel Consumption Reduction: Approximately a 1% decrease in fuel consumption.
• Lower Emissions: Corresponding reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

These advancements are crucial for long-haul operations, aligning with ANA’s strategy for operational excellence.

Commitment to Sustainability in Aviation

ANA is dedicated to tackling environmental challenges within the aviation sector. "The implementation of AeroSHARK technology on more ANA aircraft demonstrates our ongoing commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing operational efficiency," said Kohei Tsuji, Executive Vice President of the Engineering and Maintenance Center at ANA.

Joern Dahmen, Senior Director of Special Engineering Services at Lufthansa Technik, emphasized the broader implications of this technology: "ANA’s adoption of AeroSHARK on both freighter and passenger aircraft showcases the potential for retrofitting existing fleets to improve efficiency and lessen environmental impact."

Engaging Passengers with Sustainability

To raise awareness about the benefits of AeroSHARK, ANA has introduced several educational components on the newly equipped passenger aircraft. Promotional decals and interactive samples have been placed within the cabin, allowing passengers to connect directly with the airline’s sustainability initiatives.

Future Expansion Plans for AeroSHARK Technology

ANA has ambitious plans to extend the AeroSHARK technology to additional aircraft within its fleet. This initiative aligns with the ANA Group’s medium and long-term environmental objectives, reinforcing the airline’s leadership in sustainable aviation.

The growing industry adoption of AeroSHARK is evident as Lufthansa Technik has received Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for modifications across various Boeing 777 variants. Currently, around 28 long-haul aircraft worldwide are utilizing this innovative technology, with expectations for continued growth in adoption.

Ongoing Development of AeroSHARK

BASF and Lufthansa Technik are committed to advancing AeroSHARK technology, focusing on obtaining further regulatory approvals for additional aircraft types and maximizing efficiency benefits through expanded surface area coverage. This innovative approach to enhancing aircraft efficiency through surface modification represents a significant step forward in the aviation sector’s efforts to reduce environmental impact while improving operational performance.

As ANA leads the way in sustainable aviation practices, the introduction of AeroSHARK technology on the Boeing 777 exemplifies a commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.

What are your thoughts on ANA’s implementation of AeroSHARK technology? Share your insights in the comments below or explore related articles on sustainable aviation practices!