Lufthansa Technik tests AeroSHARK biomimetic film on Airbus A330

Lufthansa Technik has begun certification testing for AeroSHARK, a biomimetic surface film inspired by shark skin, on an Airbus A330-300 operated by Discover Airlines. The technology uses microscopic grooves, approximately 50 micrometers high, to reduce aerodynamic drag by managing airflow and minimizing turbulence around the aircraft fuselage and engine cowlings.

Currently, the AeroSHARK film is used on various Boeing aircraft within the Lufthansa Group and by other airlines like LATAM and ANA, providing an estimated 1% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per flight. The ongoing tests in Dresden, Germany, aim to adapt this technology for the Airbus A330 fleet. If successful, the application could expand to wings and tail sections, potentially doubling the efficiency gains to approximately 2%.