Japan Airlines applies world’s first riblet-shaped coating to 787

TOKYO- Japan Airlines (JL) has applied a rib-shaped coating to its Boeing 787-9 aircraft to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Developed in collaboration with JAXA and Orwell, this innovation marks a significant advance in sustainable aviation technology.

Inspired by shark skin, the ribbed coating adapts to airflow to minimize surface friction. This pilot initiative will launch on international flights in mid-January and will provide a real-world demonstration of its potential environmental and operational benefits.

Japan Airlines’ first riblet-shaped coating

The rib-shaped coating, developed by Japan Airlines (JL) in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Orwell, mimics the delicate grooves of shark skin.

These grooves help optimize airflow, reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. JAXA studies show that the formation of such grooves on aircraft surfaces can reduce surface friction by about 5%, which has a significant impact on the efficiency of long-haul flights.

JAL adopted Orwell’s paint-to-paint method to apply the rib-shaped coating. Unlike previous techniques that relied on decals or foil, this method uses a water-soluble mold to create the grooves directly over traditional paint.

The coating offers several advantages, including lighter weight and greater durability as it is less prone to peeling during flight. However, specialists are required for precise application.

During this demonstration phase, JAL applied the coating to approximately 30% of the Boeing 787-9 fuselage. Initial estimates suggest that this innovation could reduce air resistance in cruise flight by 0.24%.

On the Tokyo/Narita-Frankfurt route, this could save 119 tons of fuel annually and reduce CO2 emissions by 381 tons.

Riblet technology has been undergoing rigorous testing since 2022. JAL initially applied the coating to Boeing 737-800 aircraft for durability assessment.

By November 2023, the airline expanded its focus to include testing fuel efficiency improvements in real-world conditions.

The current trial on the 787-9 aircraft aims to evaluate several factors, including long-term durability, aerodynamic performance and aesthetic considerations.

If successful, JAL plans to expand the application of the coating to a broader fleet to further improve its sustainability goals.

Future developments and collaborations

Looking forward, JAXA, JAL and O-Well will continue to refine the riblet coating, testing its durability and aesthetic impact while expanding its application.

The results of these ongoing experiments will help optimize fuel savings and CO2 reductions on long-haul international flights.

The collaboration represents a crucial step towards the aviation industry’s goal of achieving a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

With the introduction of this riblet technology into international use, the partnership aims to expand its applications to additional aircraft and explore further improvements to maximize its environmental and economic benefits.

Similar technology: Lufthansa Technik AeroSHARK fins

Lufthansa Technik and BASF developed and implemented AeroSHARK after years of research. At the end of 2022, after a detailed evaluation, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved the serial conversion of two Boeing 777 aircraft types with AeroSHARK.

To date, 17 Lufthansa Group aircraft have been equipped with AeroSHARK, and further installations are planned.

Lufthansa Technik and BASF want to expand AeroSHARK to other aircraft types and larger areas and thus support airlines worldwide in achieving their emissions reduction goals.

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