Shark-inspired Riblet Coating Reduces Aircraft Carbon Footprint

Japan Airlines Co. has leveraged an unusual inspiration—shark skin—to make strides in environmental sustainability within aviation. The airline has implemented a special textured "riblet" paint coating consisting of tiny grooves that lowers air resistance when applied to aircraft surfaces, thus helping reduce carbon emissions.

The first use of this innovative riblet coating took place on a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, placed into active service starting January 18. Currently, approximately 30 percent of this aircraft's fuselage carries the riblet-shaped paint, making it the first airplane featuring such a specialized coating to operate on international routes, according to company officials.

This riblet concept originates from the biology of sharks, whose skins contain fine grooves that significantly minimize water resistance, allowing faster and smoother movement underwater. Earlier attempts successfully used riblet structures in products such as competitive swimwear and ship hull coatings; however, applying this technology onto aircraft has encountered unique challenges.

operating one demonstration aircraft on the route connecting Narita and Frankfurt for one year is estimated to lower fuel consumption by approximately 119 tons and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 381 tons. This environmental benefit equates to the amount of CO2 approximately 27,000 cedar trees would absorb annually.

Alongside Japan Airlines, other companies like All Nippon Airways (ANA) have also begun adopting riblet-based or textured decals to further explore efficiency improvements in their fleets. Representatives from JAXA and O-Well further emphasized several practical advantages of this innovative approach, including the riblet coating's lighter weight and potentially increased durability compared to standard paint coatings.

Going forward, JAXA will measure and assess the practical fuel and carbon dioxide reductions during ongoing test operations. Officials stress that the data gathered from these demonstration flights will be crucial, enabling them to consider expanding this environmentally-friendly coating across larger surface areas and more aircraft in the future.

An O-Well representative expressed hope that this new technology will actively contribute toward the overarching goal of achieving carbon neutrality in the aviation industry.