Why is LATAM Airlines Group covering its entire Boeing 777 fleet with Lufthansa Technik's sharkskin film?

LATAM Airlines Group has expanded its partnership with Lufthansa Technik (LHT) to install AeroShark riblet films on an additional five Boeing 777 aircraft. This new order will see the entire LATAM fleet of ten Boeing 777-300ER jets equipped with the innovative technology. The goal is to significantly improve fuel efficiency technology and reduce the airline's carbon footprint on long-haul routes.

LATAM is the first airline outside the Lufthansa Group to adopt the AeroShark solution. The South American carrier first trialed the film on a single 777-300ER in December 2023. After nearly a year of testing, the aircraft validated the promised 1% reduction in fuel and CO2 emissions reduction.

The AeroShark Technology

The AeroShark system is a bionic surface film developed by LHT and BASF Coatings. It mimics the flow-optimized structure of a shark's skin. The film features microscopic, prism-shaped protrusions called riblets. These riblets measure about 50 micrometers high. They are precisely aligned with the airflow to reduce skin friction and aerodynamic drag.

On the Boeing 777-300ER retrofit, the film covers approximately 950 square meters. This area includes most of the fuselage and the engine nacelles. The modification adds about 150 kg (330 lb.) to the aircraft's weight.

Operational Impact and Sustainability Goals

This expanded commitment brings LATAM's total AeroShark order to ten shipsets. Once the full fleet is modified, the airline expects substantial savings. The proven 1% drag reduction will save up to 4,000 metric tons of jet fuel annually. This also prevents the release of 12,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions each year.

This annual saving is equivalent to the CO₂ produced by about 56 scheduled flights between São Paulo and Miami on a Boeing 777. The fuel efficiency improvement is comparable to a major engine upgrade. The return on investment is estimated to take two to three years.

Fleet Modification Timeline

• December 2023: LATAM's first Boeing 777-300ER was secretly modified for testing.
• 2024: LATAM ordered four additional shipsets following successful trials.
• End of 2025: Half of the 777-300ER fleet is expected to be operating with AeroShark.
• End of 2027: The final aircraft modification is scheduled for completion.

This move aligns with LATAM's long-term aviation sustainability goals. The airline aims to operate a more efficient fleet and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The success of this drag reduction solution signals a growing market for retrofit technologies. Lufthansa Technik is also developing an AeroShark version for the Airbus A330ceo, planned for 2026. Once the project is complete, LATAM will be the second airline globally to operate an entire subfleet with the sharkskin technology.

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