Since the end of March 2025, four Boeing 777-200ERs equipped with the innovative AeroSHARK surface film have been operating worldwide. One year later, the investment in this sustainable technology is paying off—both ecologically and economically.
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Insights gained from ongoing operations have been specifically leveraged to optimize operational processes – particularly cleaning procedures, which have been adapted to meet the requirements of the new textured surface film. Developed by Lufthansa Technik and BASF, the technology is inspired by the structure of shark skin, reducing aerodynamic drag during flight.
Operational efficiency
Data scientists from Lufthansa Technik, in collaboration with operations efficiency experts from Austrian Airlines, analyzed the performance of aircraft equipped with AeroSHARK over the course of a year in regular long-haul service. The result: a verifiable reduction in drag of 0.7%, which can lead to fuel savings of 0.7–0.9% depending on the flight route.
Thanks to the improved aerodynamics, approximately 930 tons of kerosene were saved in the first year of operation. This corresponds to a reduction of nearly 3,000 tons of CO₂—equivalent to 20 flights from Vienna to New York. The results confirm the predicted efficiency gains of the bionic surface technology, which reduces drag through fine riblet structures.
The aircraft with registration numbers OE-LPA, OE-LPB, OE-LPC, and OE-LPD were fitted with the AeroSHARK film between December 2024 and March 2025. All 4 “Sharkskin” aircraft have been in service since the end of March 2025. Austrian Airlines was the first airline in the world to use this technology on the Boeing 777-200ER aircraft type.
Approximately 830 square meters of microstructured Riblet film were applied to the fuselage and engine nacelles of each aircraft. The tiny grooves guide the airflow more efficiently along the surface and reduce drag—modelled on shark skin.
Austrian Airlines is specifically focusing on innovative technologies to responsibly reduce CO₂ emissions and operating costs. AeroSHARK is a key component of the package of measures and complements initiatives such as fleet modernization with more fuel-efficient aircraft, the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), and operational efficiency programs such as optimized flight routes and weight-reduction measures on board.