Photo: Shutterstock A green revolution in the skies: Austrian Airlines has become the first in world to implement AeroSHARK technology – an innovative coating that mimics the structure of shark skin and improves the aircraft's aerodynamic efficiency.
Four of Austrian Airlines’ Boeing 777-200ER aircraft (OE-LPA, OE-LPB, OE-LPC, and OE-LPD) are already equipped with the technology, developed in collaboration with Lufthansa Technik and BASF.
The innovative micro-structured film mimics the texture of shark skin, reducing aerodynamic drag and enabling substantial fuel savings — along with a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
The Numbers Behind the Revolution:
Approximately 1% fuel savings per flight
2,650 tons less fuel per year
8,300 tons less CO₂ emissions – equivalent to about 46 flights from Vienna to New York
Behind the "Shark Skin" of the Aviation World
This revolutionary biomimetic technology, named AeroSHARK, was developed in collaboration with Lufthansa Technik and BASF, and is based on a surprising principle from nature: the unique texture of shark skin.
The innovative coating consists of thousands of tiny grooves (riblets) that are adhered to the aircraft's body, reducing drag with the air during flight. The result: improved aerodynamic flow, reduced fuel consumption, and lower polluting emissions – without altering the structure of the aircraft.
Austrian Airlines is the first airline in the world to actively implement this technology on its fleet. Four Boeing 777-200ER aircraft are already equipped with the new coating, leading to an annual savings of about 2,650 tons of fuel and a reduction of approximately 8,300 tons of carbon emissions – equivalent to about 46 one-way flights from Vienna to New York.
Beyond the environmental advantage, one of AeroSHARK's strong suits is its relatively easy application: the technology is adaptable to existing aircraft, the weight of the coating is minimal, and it meets all stringent regulatory requirements in the aviation sector. This opens the door to a quiet yet significant revolution – bringing the skies closer to a greener era, one flight at a time.
A Strategic Move for the Future of Aviation
The implementation of AeroSHARK technology by Austrian Airlines marks a significant step forward in making intercontinental flights more efficient and environmentally friendly. As airlines worldwide grapple with sustainability challenges and regulations, such moves position Austrian not only as a technological leader but as a global pioneer in implementing innovative solutions that create real value – both for the environment and the industry.
In an industry characterized by slow and complex changes, the decision to adopt an advanced biomimetic solution reflects a long-term commitment to innovation and a modern response to the demands of the next generation of travelers.
