EVA Air, Taiwan’s leading independent airline, has taken a significant step toward reducing its carbon footprint. In collaboration with Lufthansa Technik AG, EVA Air has become the first Asian airline to adopt the innovative AeroSHARK surface technology, jointly developed with BASF.
The airline plans to modify its entire cargo fleet of nine Boeing 777F long-range freighters by applying riblet films to the aircraft’s fuselage and engine nacelles.
Sharkskin-inspired Efficiency
AeroSHARK draws inspiration from the drag-reducing properties of sharkskin. The functional surface film features tiny ribs, known as riblets, approximately 50 micrometres in size. When applied to several hundred square meters of the fuselage and engine nacelles, these riblets significantly reduce frictional resistance. As a result, fuel consumption decreases by approximately one percent, leading to substantial environmental benefits.
EVA Air’s Commitment to Sustainability
Albert Liao, Executive Vice President of the Corporate Planning Division at EVA Air, emphasized the airline’s dedication to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. By adopting AeroSHARK, EVA Air not only lowers fuel consumption but also contributes to reducing CO2 emissions. The airline will closely monitor the actual fuel-saving impact and explore equipping additional aircraft with this cutting-edge technology.
Dr. Wassef Ayadi, Senior Director of Customer Relations OEM & Special Engineering Services at Lufthansa Technik, praised EVA Air’s forward-thinking approach. AeroSHARK represents the world’s most advanced sharkskin product for the commercial aviation industry. By implementing this technology, EVA Air gains a quick-win solution to minimize its environmental footprint.
Lufthansa Technik holds Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for AeroSHARK modifications on two types of Boeing 777 aircraft. The technology is already in use across multiple airlines worldwide, with EVA Air leading the way. By 2027, EVA Air aims to equip its entire 777 fleet with AeroSHARK.