February 13, 2025
Austrian Airlines Debuts its AeroSHARK Equipped B777-200ER

Austrian Airlines Debuts its AeroSHARK Equipped B777-200ER

The first Austrian Airlines Boeing 777-200ER equipped with the innovative AeroSHARK surface technology has successfully completed its maiden flight.
AeroSHARK skin is applied to an Austrian Airlines aircraft.
Photo Credit: Lufthansa Technik

Austrian Airlines has marked a waypoint with the successful maiden flight of its first Boeing 777-200ER equipped with innovative AeroSHARK surface technology.

The long-haul aircraft, bearing registration number OE-LPC, completed its inaugural journey as flight OS26 from Bangkok to Vienna. It touched down at 5:00am local time on 13 January.

This maiden flight marks the start of Austrian Airlines’ ambitious plan to retrofit four Boeing 777-200ERs with this cutting-edge technology by March 2025.

The AeroSHARK Skin Technology


The AeroSHARK system represents a remarkable advancement in aerodynamic efficiency. Each aircraft receives an extensive modification, with 830 square meters of specialized Riblet film. This is applied to both the fuselage and engine nacelles.

This sophisticated surface treatment delivers impressive results, reducing fuel consumption by approximately one percent per flight.

The cumulative impact of equipping all four Boeing 777s with this technology promises substantial environmental benefits.

Projected savings are in the order of 2,650 tonnes of fuel and a reduction in CO2 emissions exceeding 8,300 tonnes. To put this into perspective, these savings equal the environmental impact of 46 flights between Vienna and New York.

AeroSHARK film is applied to an Austrian Airlines aircraft.

Biomimicry in Action

The sharkskin-inspired aircraft coating is a perfect example of biomimicry. Biomimicy, or biomimetics, is the practice of emulating nature’s designs and processes to solve human problems

Sharks have evolved tiny, tooth like scales called “dermal denticles” that form microscopic ridges on their skin. These ridges reduce drag and turbulence as the shark moves through water. It allows for more efficient movement through the medium of water.

The AeroSHARK technology mimics this natural design with its microstructured riblets that similarly reduce air resistance on aircraft.

The skin modification has been developed through a partnership between Lufthansa Technik and BASF. AeroSHARK features an array of microscopic riblets, each measuring approximately 50 micrometers.

These precisely engineered, transparent structures replicate the natural aerodynamic properties of sharkskin. It optimizes airflow around critical aircraft surfaces and reducing drag during flight.

AeroSHARK film is applied to an Austrian Airlines aircraft.

Austrian Airlines’ Chief Operating Officer Francesco Sciortino speaks of the importance of this initiative. “Reducing our CO2 emissions during flight operations stands at the forefront of our sustainability efforts.”

“This ‘sharkskin’ technology is developed by Lufthansa Technik. Its implementation represents a crucial investment in our pursuit of more efficient long-haul operations and environmental responsibility.”

The airline’s pioneering role in adopting AeroSHARK technology for the Boeing 777-200ER required close collaboration with aviation authorities.

Collaboration with Stakeholders


Working alongside Lufthansa Technik, Austrian Airlines secured essential certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

This regulatory milestone, as Harald Gloy, Chief Operating Officer of Lufthansa Technik explains, opens new possibilities for airlines worldwide.

“This certification paves the way for global implementation of our sharkskin technology on 777-200ER aircraft. It enables carriers around the world to enhance their operational efficiency and meet increasingly important environmental targets.”

This innovative surface treatment forms part of Austrian Airlines’ comprehensive environmental strategy.

Conclusion


Aligned with the broader initiatives of the Lufthansa Group, the carrier has set ambitious sustainability targets. It aims to achieve a 30.6% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, compared to 2019 levels.

The AeroSHARK implementation demonstrates the airline’s commitment to embracing technological solutions that deliver measurable environmental benefits.

The successful integration of AeroSHARK technology on the first Boeing 777-200ER marks just the beginning of Austrian Airlines’ fleet modernization efforts.

As the remaining aircraft receive this upgrade over the coming months, the airline positions itself at the leading edge of sustainable aviation practices.

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