Lufthansa Technik (LHT)and Airbus have launched a technical collaboration to develop and certify the application of AeroSHARK riblet technology on the wings and stabilisers of the Airbus A330ceo, marking a major step forward in drag-reduction technology for commercial aviation.
The partnership aims to achieve the first commercial certification of riblet technology on an Airbus A330 wing and tailplane. The programme builds on the ongoing Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) certification of AeroSHARK for the A330ceo fuselage and engine nacelles.
With Airbus providing technical support, Lufthansa Technik will now extend the technology to the aircraft’s wings, horizontal stabilisers, and vertical stabilisers. Lufthansa Technik will lead the certification process and hold the STC, while its engineering division will oversee the overall certification strategy and execution. Airbus Engineering will support the project through aircraft data provision and safety assessments.
The certification programme will assess the impact of the riblet application across a wide range of operational and technical areas, including flight dynamics, lightning strike protection, structural loads, maintenance requirements, and aircraft systems such as flight controls, autopilot and navigation systems.
The wing and tailplane applications are intended to complement AeroSHARK coverage already being developed for the fuselage and engine nacelles by Lufthansa Technik and BASF Coatings. When applied across all major aerodynamic surfaces, the technology is expected to deliver fuel savings exceeding two per cent on typical long-haul missions for a fully modified A330ceo fleet.
The anticipated efficiency gains could provide airlines with meaningful reductions in both operating costs and carbon dioxide emissions, supporting broader industry decarbonisation targets.
Airbus said its involvement reflects the manufacturer’s commitment to supporting innovative sustainability solutions across its in-service aircraft fleet through close technical collaboration.
By extending AeroSHARK to additional aerodynamic surfaces, Lufthansa Technik aims to maximise the performance potential of riblet technology and improve operational efficiency for one of the world’s most widely operated wide-body aircraft.
