Sharkskin for planes: Planes are given a sustainable facelift

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• May 3, 2024

Insight summary

The aviation industry has taken a leap towards sustainability by mimicking shark skin to enhance aircraft fuel efficiency and slash carbon emissions. This technology is poised to save thousands of tons of fuel annually, a significant step in reducing the aviation sector's environmental footprint. As this trend gains traction, it could make air travel more affordable and result in a wave of environmental and economic benefits globally.

Sharkskin for planes context

Lufthansa Cargo introduced the AeroSHARK surface film on a Boeing 777F in 2023. The technology, co-developed by Lufthansa Technik and chemical company BASF, features a surface that replicates the microstructure of shark skin, known for its drag-reducing properties. This adaptation promises to improve fuel efficiency by over 1 percent across Lufthansa's freighter fleet and substantially lower CO2 emissions, illustrating a tangible step towards more sustainable aviation practices.

The significance of AeroSHARK lies in its potential to revolutionize the aviation industry's approach to fuel consumption and carbon footprint reduction. By applying this technology, Lufthansa Cargo anticipates saving more than 4,000 tons of kerosene and nearly 13,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually for its 11-aircraft fleet. Furthermore, the successful implementation of AeroSHARK on Lufthansa and SWISS aircraft underscores the scalability and applicability of biomimetic innovations in real-world aviation operations, setting a precedent for other carriers to follow.

The deployment of AeroSHARK technology also represents a broader shift towards embracing nature-inspired solutions in tackling modern engineering challenges. This approach is further exemplified by the Australian start-up MicroTau, which has leveraged similar sharkskin principles to develop a coating that promises even greater efficiency improvements. Through collaborations with research institutions and significant investment, MicroTau aims to bring this technology to wide-body aircraft, potentially saving thousands of dollars per flight in fuel costs and significantly reducing CO2 emissions. 

Disruptive impact

The application of sharkskin technologies could lead to lower ticket prices for passengers and increased profitability for carriers. Additionally, airlines might redirect resources towards further innovation or enhancing customer service, fostering a competitive edge in the industry. However, the initial investment in retrofitting existing fleets or integrating this technology into new aircraft could be substantial, potentially straining the financial resources of smaller airlines.

In addition, enhanced fuel efficiency translates into reduced environmental impact, aligning with growing consumer demand for more sustainable travel options. This trend could also spur job creation in sectors related to sustainable technologies and materials science, offering new career paths and educational opportunities. On the downside, the transition period might see job displacements in traditional manufacturing roles, requiring retraining programs and adjustments in the workforce.

Governments worldwide may need to recalibrate their environmental policies and regulations to accommodate and encourage the shift towards sustainable aviation technologies. These measures could involve offering incentives for research and development in green technology or setting stricter emissions standards for airlines. However, discrepancies in technological adoption rates between countries could lead to uneven regulatory landscapes, challenging international trade and cooperation in the aviation sector.

Implications of sharkskin for planes

Wider implications of sharkskin for planes may include: 

• Increased adoption of biomimicry in aviation leading to more efficient aircraft designs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
• Airlines prioritizing fuel-efficient technologies resulting in lower operational costs and competitive pricing strategies.
• Enhanced public interest in sustainable travel options driving the development of green certification standards for airlines.
• Educational institutions expanding programs in environmental engineering and sustainable design to meet new industry demands.
• Labor markets shifting towards high-demand for skilled workers in green technology and sustainable aviation sectors.
• International regulatory bodies harmonizing standards for emissions and fuel efficiency, fostering global collaboration in aviation sustainability.
• Technological breakthroughs in material science and aerodynamics sparking innovation in related industries, such as automotive and maritime.

Questions to consider

• How could adopting sustainable aviation technologies impact your travel choices and carbon footprint?
• How might the principles of biomimicry in aviation inspire sustainability efforts in other sectors you interact with daily?