SWISS Adopts Shark Skin Technology for Entire B777 Fleet: Here’s Why

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable aviation, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has announced the completion of its AeroSHARK technology rollout across its entire Boeing 777-300ER fleet.

This milestone marks a significant step forward in the airline industry’s quest for fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility. Since the inaugural AeroSHARK flight in October 2022, SWISS has been steadily outfitting its long-haul aircraft with this innovative technology.

Now, with the recent application of the transparent AeroSHARK film to its final member, HB-JNF, all 12 Boeing 777s boast this cutting-edge enhancement. But what exactly is AeroSHARK, and why is it generating such buzz in the aviation world?

At its core, AeroSHARK mimics the hydrodynamic skin of a shark, employing micrometer-deep ‘riblets’ aligned with the airflow to reduce air resistance during flight. This seemingly minor adjustment translates into tangible benefits, with AeroSHARK slashing air resistance by approximately one percent.

The environmental impact of this technology cannot be overstated. Even with only a portion of its fleet equipped with AeroSHARK last year, SWISS managed to decrease kerosene consumption by over 2,200 tonnes, accompanied by a remarkable reduction of some 7,100 tonnes in carbon dioxide emissions. These figures underscore the profound potential of AeroSHARK to drive meaningful change in the aviation sector’s sustainability efforts.

The development of AeroSHARK has been a collaborative effort, with Lufthansa Technik and coatings manufacturer BASF joining forces to bring this game-changing technology to fruition. Their partnership underscores a shared commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.

Looking ahead, SWISS is exploring the possibility of extending the AeroSHARK application to additional aircraft types in its long-haul fleet.