🦈 Can Shark Skin Transform Aviation? Traditional fuel efficiency improvements in aviation have focused on engine performance and weight reduction. But now, a "microscopic groove" inspired by nature is revolutionizing the industry. The "riblet" coating technology developed jointly by JAL, JAXA, and Orwell has been applied to ZIPAIR's Boeing 787 for the first time, and operations have begun.
What Is Riblet Technology?
Riblet technology is an aerodynamic innovation that mimics the fine groove structure found on shark skin. Shark skin features microscopic grooves approximately 0.1mm wide that reduce water resistance and enable efficient swimming. By applying this principle to aircraft, surface friction resistance is reduced, improving fuel efficiency.
During flight, turbulent vortices form on the aircraft surface. When these vortices contact the fuselage, they create friction drag that worsens fuel efficiency. By applying riblet structures, vortices form farther from the aircraft surface, reducing the contact area. Research shows this can reduce surface friction by approximately 5%.
First Application on ZIPAIR and Technical Features
On January 28, 2026, Japan Airlines (JAL), ZIPAIR, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and paint manufacturer Orwell announced the first application of riblet-shaped coating to ZIPAIR's Boeing 787-8 (registration JA851J). The work was conducted at JAL's hangar at Narita Airport, and the aircraft began operations on January 27.
The "Paint-to-Paint Method" used is a patented technology jointly developed by JAXA and Orwell. A water-soluble sheet is applied to the aircraft, transferring the riblet shape onto the existing paint film. The sheet is then washed away with water, leaving the fine groove structure. Compared to conventional film-based methods, this approach offers several advantages:
- Nearly zero weight increase
- 8-10 year durability (matching aircraft paint life)
- Lower risk of peeling during flight
- Applicable to large aircraft
The groove depth is approximately 50 micrometers (about the thickness of a human hair), and this precision work requires highly skilled craftsmanship.
Fuel Efficiency Improvements and Environmental Benefits
According to JAXA's calculations, the effects of this application are as follows:
Before Coverage Expansion (approximately 30% of fuselage):
- Cruise drag reduction rate: 0.24%
- Annual fuel reduction: approximately 119 tons
- Annual CO2 reduction: approximately 381 tons
After Coverage Expansion (extended to upper fuselage):
- Cruise drag reduction rate: 0.31%
- Annual fuel reduction: approximately 154 tons
- Annual CO2 reduction: approximately 492 tons
These estimates are based on one year of operation on the Narita-Frankfurt route, equivalent to the annual CO2 absorption of approximately 27,000 cedar trees. About 400 flights would save the equivalent of one flight's worth of fuel.
Japanese Innovation and Global Developments
Research on riblet technology has been conducted worldwide since the 1970s, but the path to practical application has been long. In Japan, JAXA has led collaborative research with JAL, Orwell, and Nikon. Durability testing began in July 2022 on Boeing 737-800 aircraft, confirming performance was maintained after more than 1,500 flight hours.
Meanwhile, in Europe, Lufthansa Technik and BASF developed "AeroSHARK," a film-based riblet technology. Deployment began in 2022, and as of January 2025, 22 aircraft within the Lufthansa Group have been equipped. Applying approximately 830 square meters of film achieves about 1% fuel reduction per flight.
The main differences from Japan's Paint-to-Paint Method are that film-based application is relatively easier but involves weight increase and peeling risks. The paint-based method requires skilled craftsmanship but offers superior durability and weight savings.
ANA also began introducing Lufthansa's AeroSHARK to its Boeing 777F fleet in September 2024. In April 2025, application expanded to passenger 777-300ER aircraft, making ANA the first airline in Asia to adopt AeroSHARK.
Future Prospects and Challenges
JAL has been operating 787-9 aircraft with riblet coating since January 18, 2025, and the expansion to ZIPAIR demonstrates group-wide environmental technology deployment. Future verification and considerations include:
- Actual fuel efficiency improvements on long-haul international routes
- Durability and aesthetic maintenance of the coating
- Further expansion of application areas
- Potential deployment to other aircraft types
The aviation industry aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and is pursuing various initiatives including SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) adoption and fleet renewal with fuel-efficient aircraft. Riblet technology is particularly noteworthy as it can be applied to existing aircraft, offering immediate environmental benefits.
What About Aviation Environmental Technology in Your Country?
In Japan, there is strong interest in "biomimetics" - imitating mechanisms found in nature - and shark skin technology is welcomed as an example. As environmental awareness grows, "flight shame" - guilt about air travel - has become a topic of discussion, but hope is placed in such technological innovations to support sustainable air travel.
What environmental aviation initiatives exist in your country? Is biomimetics (bio-inspired technology) receiving attention? Please share in the comments.
References
Reactions in Japan
Shark skin coating is amazing! 0.31% drag reduction sounds small, but on long-haul routes it means 154 tons of annual fuel savings. Every little bit adds up!
Honestly, isn't 0.24% or 0.31% within margin of error? If you really want to reduce CO2, reducing the number of flights would be more effective.
Deeply moved to see JAXA research implemented on commercial aircraft. Happy to see these steady research achievements being put to practical use, not just rockets.
The progression from shark skin to swimsuits to aircraft is a textbook case of biomimetics. Next, I'm hoping for large-scale application to ships.
So ZIPAIR is getting the latest technology too. Good to know they're not cutting corners just because they're an LCC. I'll look closely at the aircraft next time I fly.
Applying 50-micron grooves uniformly requires considerable skill. The fact that it's done by hand, not machine, shows Japanese craftsmanship.
Fuel efficiency improvements probably won't make tickets cheaper... Well, it's good for the environment so I can't complain.
Apparently riblet-coated aircraft look almost the same. I heard they look slightly different depending on the light, so I want to photograph one.
Sharks really are like the optimal solution of evolution. Amazing that a form unchanged for hundreds of millions of years can inform modern technology.
JAL uses paint, ANA uses film. We'll probably see which is better in about 5 years. Competition drives technological advancement.
So JA851J is the riblet-coated aircraft. Wonder if I can spot it next time I'm at Narita. Should be easy to identify since it's a 787-8.
I appreciate aviation's decarbonization efforts, but fundamentally, it's important to increase options that don't involve flying. Like expanding the Shinkansen network.
So Orwell, a paint company from Osaka, has this cutting-edge technology. Can't underestimate Japanese SMEs.
Typical Japanese kaizen approach. Accumulating small improvements rather than big changes. Good attitude of doing what's achievable even if effects are small.
Wonder how post-application inspection and maintenance will work. Hope it doesn't increase the burden on maintenance crews.
Shark skin got attention with the LZR Racer swimsuit in 2008, right? About 18 years from then to practical aviation application.
Lufthansa in Germany uses AeroSHARK film, but Japan's paint method is also interesting. The different technical approaches are fascinating. I'm watching to see which proves superior long-term.
0.3% reduction? Does that really matter? The aviation industry needs fundamental change, and these surface-level measures just seem like excuses.
Indian airlines should adopt such technologies too. In a rapidly growing aviation market, fuel efficiency improvements are important both economically and environmentally. Hope for technical cooperation with JAXA.
Excellent practical application of biomimetics. My lab is also researching the antibacterial properties of shark skin structures. There's still so much to learn from nature.
The paint method is interesting, but requiring skilled technicians is a challenge. Film-based may be better for mass production. That said, Japanese craftsmanship deserves respect.
Delta is also planning to introduce shark skin technology through partnership with MicroTau. It's good for the industry that different approaches are being tested in Japan, Europe, and Australia.
Chinese airlines are also investing in environmental technology, but this kind of precision coating technique seems like it would take time to master. Have to acknowledge Japan's technical capabilities.
The flight shame movement is strong in Sweden, but we should also recognize such innovations. Eliminating aircraft entirely is unrealistic, so improvement efforts matter.
Useful technology for Mexican airlines too. Fuel costs are straining operations, so any small improvement is welcome. Hope for technology transfer possibilities.
Australia has many long-haul routes, so fuel efficiency technologies like this are especially important. Qantas may consider adoption eventually.
Middle Eastern airlines are also working on decarbonization. However, verification would be needed to see if this coating can withstand desert climate conditions.
Could be applied to ships as well as aircraft. The maritime industry also faces decarbonization demands, so we're watching this as a Danish company.
As a Japanese-American, I'm proud of Japan's innovations. However, adoption by US airlines depends on regulatory approval. FAA certification often takes time.
From an engineering perspective, the paint method likely has advantages in maintenance. Film peeling risk increases with pressure changes at high altitude.
Hope Air India adopts this technology. Fuel cost reduction leads to lower fares, allowing more Indians to use air travel.