Monday, August 26, 2024 EVA Air is taking a leading role in the aviation industry’s push towards sustainability by equipping its fleet of nine Boeing 777 freighters (777Fs) with the innovative AeroSHARK drag-reducing film. As the busy summer travel season winds down, the Taiwanese airline is making the most of this period to introduce these modifications, which are set to improve fuel efficiency and significantly cut down carbon emissions. EVA Air has become the first airline in Asia to adopt AeroSHARK technology, a cutting-edge solution developed in collaboration between Lufthansa Technik (LHT) and BASF.
This move reflects a growing commitment among airlines to incorporate advanced technologies that support environmental sustainability. The first of EVA Air’s modified Boeing 777Fs, registered as L-16786, recently rolled out of EVA Air’s facilities at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), sporting the AeroSHARK film on its fuselage and engine nacelles. The modification was expertly executed by Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corporation (EGAT), with oversight from LHT specialists.
AeroSHARK technology is inspired by the natural properties of shark skin, using microscopic riblets, each approximately 50 micrometers thick, to reduce aerodynamic drag. This innovative film application results in smoother airflow around the aircraft, leading to decreased drag, improved fuel efficiency, and lower emissions. Covering the fuselage and engine nacelles of a single Boeing 777F requires around 830 square meters of AeroSHARK film, resulting in a 1% reduction in fuel consumption per flight.
For EVA Air’s fleet, this translates into annual savings of more than 2,500 metric tons of fuel and a reduction of over 7,800 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. EVA Air’s adoption of AeroSHARK technology is part of a broader industry trend toward reducing environmental impact. The airline’s diverse fleet includes nine 777F freighters, alongside 17 Airbus A321-200s, nine A330-300s, 33 Boeing 777-300ERs, and 16 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
Lufthansa Technik currently holds Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for AeroSHARK modifications on specific Boeing 777 models, and a growing number of aircraft are entering service with this technology. Lufthansa Technik and BASF continue to explore and expand the applications of AeroSHARK, with ongoing efforts to secure approvals for additional aircraft types and larger surface areas. Projections suggest that with maximum coverage, AeroSHARK could achieve up to a 3% reduction in carbon emissions, offering significant advantages for airlines committed to environmental responsibility.
By integrating AeroSHARK into its operations, EVA Air sets a new standard for sustainability in aviation, demonstrating its commitment to adopting innovative solutions that align with global efforts to create a more sustainable future. This initiative showcases the vital role of advanced technology in reducing the environmental impact of air travel and reinforces EVA Air’s position as a leader in the aviation industry’s green movement..
