All Nippon Airways (ANA) has flown a freight aircraft equipped with fuel-saving AeroSHARK technology, marking a “significant milestone” in its sustainability strategy.

Plans are underway to extend it to passenger 777s by next spring.

AeroSHARK is a joint development by Lufthansa Technik and BASF and is a functional surface film inspired by the drag-reducing structure of sharkskin.

Featuring ribs around 50 micrometers, the so-called riblets are almost invisible but will deliver savings on fuel and emissions.

Nearly the entire fuselage of the contracted Boeings will be covered with the sharkskin-inspired film, resulting in estimated annual savings of around 250 metric tons of fuel and 800 metric tons of CO2 for each aircraft.

The initiative is part of the ANA Group’s environmental strategy, which includes the broader ‘ANA Future Promise’ aimed at promoting Environmental, Social and Governance management.

Kohei Tsuji, Executive Vice President, Engineering and Maintenance Center, at ANA said: “The introduction of the technology on our Boeing 777 aircraft marks a milestone in our sustainability strategy.

“We are proud to be the first airline in the world to implement this innovative technology, reinforcing our dedication to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Lufthansa Technik currently holds Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for the AeroSHARK modification of various types of Boeing 777, which is now being adopted by airlines across the globe.

Around 20 long-haul aircraft are already operating with the technology in worldwide service, with this number growing steadily.