Air TransportA330 Becomes Next Aircraft to Receive ‘Sharkskin’ Fuel-Saving Technology
Lufthansa Technik has started the certification process for AeroSHARK on the A330ceo widebodies, making it the first Airbus aircraft type to benefit from the sharkskin-inspired surface film.
Developed in partnership with BASF Coatings, the riblet-structured film reduces aerodynamic drag, leading to lower fuel consumption.
Certification will be obtained through a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), enabling series modification to the fuselage and engine nacelles of both A330-200 and A330-300 models. The process is expected to be completed in 2026.
According to Andrew Muirhead, Vice President Original Equipment Innovation at Lufthansa Technik, the A330 was chosen for its global relevance: “With about 1,000 A330-200 and -300 aircraft in service worldwide, the potential for operational cost savings and substantial environmental benefits is vast.”
AeroSHARK is already certified for the Boeing 777-300ER, 777-200ER, and 777F, and has been applied to 28 aircraft across several airlines, plus one Lufthansa Boeing 747 used as a test platform.
So far, AeroSHARK-modified aircraft have accumulated more than 232,000 flight hours, saving over 13,000 metric tons of fuel and reducing more than 42,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions.
The film mimics the microscopic structure of sharkskin, optimizing airflow over the fuselage and delivering around 1% savings in fuel burn and emissions — a figure that could increase with further application to additional surfaces.
For Frank Naber, Senior Vice President Global Surface Treatment at BASF Coatings, the A330 certification is another step towards greener aviation: "Sharkskin technology is a significant step forward in improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. With A330ceo certification, these benefits can soon be extended to a wider range of aircraft.”
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