Swiss International Air Lines has implemented AeroSHARK technology to reduce fuel burn and aircraft carbon emissions.
Switzerland’s flag carrier will be the world’s first passenger airline to implement AeroSHARK technology on selected passenger aircraft.
REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS
The airline, which is a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, is committed to achieving reduced emissions.
Using this innovative technology will enable SWISS to reduce its aircraft drag and fuel burn.
Therefore, with AeroSHARK technology, SWISS will be able to make even greater progress in reducing its carbon footprint.
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AEROSHARK TECHNOLOGY
SWISS applied the transparent AeroSHARK film to the exterior of one of its aircraft. The film replicates the hydrodynamic skin of a shark.
The fuselage and engine nacelles of a Boeing 777-300 aircraft were covered with the skin-like covering.
The film has been shown to improve aircraft performance and reduce carbon emissions during flight, according to SWISS.
“Our adoption of AeroSHARK is an excellent example of how we can use innovative technologies to make air travel more sustainable.”
SWISS CEO, Dieter Vranckx
SWISS BOEING 777 TRIAL
A SWISS Boeing 777-300ER equipped with the film operated a scheduled flight between Europe and the United States.
The innovative AeroSHARK technology was tested on the SWISS aircraft operating passenger services between Zurich and Miami on Friday May 10.
IMPROVED SUSTAINABILITY
During flight, the layer of film lowers aerodynamic drag and also reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Thus, SWISS can reduce the environmental impact of its flights while also saving on fuel costs since fuel burn is reduced.
“Our aircraft fleet is already one of the most advanced and most carbon-efficient in Europe. Thanks to AeroSHARK, we can enhance these credentials even further in a field where every saving counts. We are proud to be the first passenger airline in the world to adopt this new technology. And we will continue to consistently invest in such sustainable solutions.” Vranckx said.
AEROSHARK TECHNOLOGY
AeroSHARK is a special film which has been jointly developed by Lufthansa Technik and chemicals and coatings manufacturer BASF.
The film features tiny 50-micrometre riblets that reduce aerodynamic drag during flight.
SWISS has twelve Boeing 777s in its fleet. After the successful trial flight, all of the carrier’s Boeing 777s will gradually be equipped with AeroSHARK film.
SWISS’s AeroSHARK programme is supported by the Swiss Confederation through its special funding for environmental projects.