ANA’s first B777F takes off with AeroSHARK technology

All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan's largest airline, has introduced its first Boeing 777F featuring AeroSHARK technology.

Inspired by shark skin, the innovative surface treatment reduces drag and improves fuel efficiency. ANA is the first airline to operate both passenger and freighter versions of the Boeing 777 with the advanced technology, according to an official release from Lufthansa Technik.

The first modified Boeing 777F (JA771F) began scheduled cargo flights today. ANA also plans to extend the AeroSHARK technology to a passenger aircraft Boeing 777-300ER (JA796A) by next spring, reinforcing its commitment to investing in fuel-efficient technologies that reduce emissions.

“AeroSHARK, developed jointly by Lufthansa Technik and BASF, is a functional surface film inspired by the drag-reducing properties of sharkskin. The film incorporates tiny ribs, known as riblets, that are approximately 50 micrometres in size. With close guidance from Lufthansa Technik, ANA’s MRO team recently applied several hundred square metres of these riblet films to the fuselage of the B777F (JA771F). This aircraft re-entered commercial service today, completing its first AeroSHARK-optimised flight from Tokyo-Narita to Chicago O’Hare,” mentions the official release.

“The introduction of AeroSHARK technology on our Boeing 777 aircraft marks a significant milestone in our sustainability strategy in support of our broader goal of reducing carbon emissions across our fleet,” says Kohei Tsuji, member of the board, executive vice president, engineering and maintenance centre, ANA. “We are proud to be the first airline in the world to implement this innovative technology to both passenger and freighter versions of the Boeing 777, reinforcing our dedication to delivering excellence and reducing our carbon footprint.”

The contracted Boeing 777F and 777-300ER aircraft will have nearly the entire fuselage covered with the sharkskin-inspired film, resulting in estimated annual savings of approximately 250 metric tonnes of fuel and 800 metric tonnes of CO2 for each aircraft, the release added.

“Drawing inspiration from nature is deeply rooted in Japanese arts and culture. Therefore, what airline could be a better fit for our nature-inspired AeroSHARK than the world-famous ‘Inspiration of Japan’?” says Dennis Kohr, senior vice president corporate sales, Asia Pacific, Lufthansa Technik. “We are delighted to extend our long-lasting and fruitful cooperation with All Nippon Airways onto a proven solution to reduce their carbon footprint. I am confident that AeroSHARK will support ANA in becoming an ever-greener Inspiration of Japan”