First Airbus variant modified with shark skin inspired film nears approval
Lufthansa Technik has entered the final certification phase to secure approval to modify Airbus A330-200s and A330-300s with AeroSHARK, a shark skin inspired film designed to help aircraft fly more efficiently.
In August 2025, after achieving approval to upgrade Boeing 777-300ER, 777-200ER and 777F aircraft with the advanced film, Lufthansa Technik set its sights on the Airbus A330ceo family.
At the time, Lufthansa Technik said that with around 1,000 A330-200 and -300 aircraft in service worldwide, the “potential for operational cost savings and substantial environmental benefits is vast”.
On September 9, 2026, the company said an A330 from Discover Airlines will be the first Airbus aircraft worldwide to be equipped with the innovative technology.
Lufthansa TechnikOver several weeks, the Discover Airlines widebody will undergo test flights as Lufthansa looks to secure Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
According to Lufthansa Technik, it has teamed up with Mastercard over the current project phase in a joint drive to contribute to more efficient and more sustainable aviation.
Long haul efficiency gains
“AeroSHARK is an excellent example of how innovations from the Lufthansa Group can make concrete contributions to greater efficiency and lower emissions,” Grazia Vittadini, CTO at Lufthansa Group, said. “With the planned certification for the Airbus A330ceo, we are tapping into the potential of another significant portion of the global long-haul fleets. “
The AeroSHARK technology, developed by Lufthansa Technik and Surventis (formerly BASF Coatings), is based on the structure of shark skin.
The special surface film reduces drag during flight, thereby lowering fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
22 aircraft already fitted with AeroSHARK
“Following its certification for the Boeing 777, the certification process is now focused on the Airbus A330—the world’s second-most-delivered long-haul aircraft model, which will continue to shape existing fleets for many years to come,” Lufthansa Technik said.
The company said the certification process includes extensive technical documentation, ground and flight tests, as well as final in-service validation during flight operations.
As of August 2026, the Lufthansa Group has already equipped 22 aircraft with AeroSHARK. Carriers that have adopted the technology include LATAM, SWISS, Lufthansa, All Nippon airlines (ANA) and EVA air.
In July 2026, Lufthansa Technik announced that testing has begun on an Airbus A319 fitted with AeroSHARK from Lufthansa City Airlines.
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The post First Airbus variant modified with shark skin inspired film nears approval appeared first on AeroTime.
Lufthansa Technik has entered the final certification phase to secure approval to modify Airbus A330-200s and A330-300s with…
The post First Airbus variant modified with shark skin inspired film nears approval appeared first on AeroTime.
