On October 13, another Lufthansa Cargo Boeing 777F equipped with AeroSHARK technology entered service. This becomes the fourth freighter to be equipped by Lufthansa Technik with the technology since February this year.
Lufthansa AeroSHARK
AeroSHARK is a nice little piece of innovative technology. This revolutionary advancement involves the application of a functional surface film that emulates the microscopic structure of shark skin.
While it might sound relatively simple, the impact it has on air travel is very real. AeroSHARK is designed to reduce aerodynamic drag on the fuselage and engine nacelles of the Boeing 777F.
The outcome? Remarkable fuel and emissions savings.
The development of AeroSHARK is a testament to human ingenuity. It’s a collaborative effort between Lufthansa Technik and BASF, two giants in their respective industries.
Their combined expertise has paved the way for this clever technology to be integrated into Lufthansa Cargo’s entire fleet of 777 freighters. The mission was to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
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The Difference
The environmental implications of AeroSHARK are profound. The technology is expected to yield an approximate one percent fuel saving per modified freighter.
When applied across Lufthansa Cargo’s entire 777 fleet, the impact is staggering – over 4,000 metric tons of kerosene saved annually, translating to a reduction of nearly 13,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
To put this into perspective, it’s equivalent to the emissions of approximately 53 cargo flights from Frankfurt to Shanghai.
Ashwin Bhat, the CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, emphasized the significance of this transformation, stating, “The special coating significantly reduces the frictional resistance of the aircraft.”
“Together with the lightweight cargo equipment we already use today, this technology will enable us to save 5,493 tons of kerosene per year. This is an important step on our way to becoming 100 percent CO2-neutral in the air by 2050.”
The Path Forward
This transformation is just the beginning. By 2027, all 777 Freighters in Lufthansa Cargo’s fleet will be adorned with AeroSHARK technology.
These aircraft will seamlessly integrate into Lufthansa Cargo’s extensive global network of scheduled services, ushering in a new era of sustainable air travel.
The modification process for the next aircraft will commence in August 2024 during their regular maintenance layovers.
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