Lufthansa Group brings AeroSHARK technology to Airbus A330

Germany

Discover Airlines is providing an A330-300 for final certification tests as Lufthansa Technik prepares to extend its fuel-saving surface technology to Airbus aircraft

Lufthansa Technik has entered the final certification phase for applying its AeroSHARK surface technology to the Airbus A330-200 and A330-300. A Discover Airlines A330-300 will become the first Airbus aircraft worldwide to be fitted with the drag-reducing film, initially for a series of certification flight tests.

The aircraft is undergoing modification at Elbe Flugzeugwerke in Dresden, with test flights scheduled over several weeks before and after installation. If the certification process is completed successfully, AeroSHARK could subsequently be deployed across both A330ceo variants, opening another major segment of the global long-haul fleet to the technology.

Shark skin structure reduces aerodynamic drag

AeroSHARK was developed by Lufthansa Technik and Surventis, formerly BASF Coatings. The technology uses a surface film featuring microscopic grooves inspired by the structure of shark skin. These riblets, measuring around 50 micrometers in height, are aligned with the airflow to reduce frictional drag.

Applied to the fuselage and engine cowlings, the technology currently reduces fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by around one percent on every flight.

AeroSHARK has already been certified for the Boeing 777F, 777-300ER and 777-200ER. Extending approval to the A330 would significantly broaden its potential market, given the aircraft family's large presence in long-haul fleets worldwide.

“AeroSHARK is an excellent example of how innovations from the Lufthansa Group can make concrete contributions to greater efficiency and lower emissions,” said Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Officer of Lufthansa Group. “With the planned certification for the Airbus A330ceo, we are tapping into the potential of another significant portion of the global long-haul fleets.”

Certification includes ground and flight testing

The Supplemental Type Certificate for the A330-200 and A330-300 requires approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The process includes extensive technical documentation, ground and flight tests and final validation under regular operating conditions.

Discover Airlines is providing the aircraft needed for this stage of the certification program. Mastercard is supporting the current project phase as part of a strategic sustainability partnership with Lufthansa Group.

“The innovation alliance between Lufthansa Technik, Discover Airlines, and Mastercard demonstrates once again how strong partners can drive progress together,” Vittadini said.

Next generation could double savings potential

Development is already moving beyond the current application. Lufthansa Technik and Surventis are working on a new generation of AeroSHARK that could be installed on additional parts of an aircraft, including wings and tail surfaces.

Expanding the riblet film to these areas could potentially double the achievable fuel and emissions savings compared with the present system.

As of August 2026, Lufthansa Group had equipped 22 aircraft with AeroSHARK. According to the company, the fleet saves around 19 metric tonnes of kerosene and approximately 60 metric tonnes of CO₂ every day. Airlines outside Lufthansa Group are also using the technology on long-haul aircraft.