LATAM Airlines has now decided to equip its entire 777 fleet with Lufthansa Technik and BASF Coatings' AeroSHARK modifications.
The ‘sharkskin’ modifications reduces fuel use and emissions through smart drag-reduction.
By the end of 2025, the airline had five AeroSHARK-equipped 777-300ER in operation. With the extension, the remaining five of of the airline's 777-300ER fleet will be equipped with the modifications. The final aircraft modification is expected in 2027.
Once complete, the airline will become the second airline to operate an entire subfleet with sharkskin-equipped aircraft.
“Expanding the use of AeroSHARK across our entire Boeing 777-300ER fleet is a clear example of how LATAM combines innovation, operational efficiency and sustainability in very concrete actions,” said LATAM Airlines Group head of fleet and projects Nicolas Seitz.
The airline's first 777-300ER modified with the technology was completed in December 2023. After validating the promised fuel and emissions reductions, the airline ordered four additional shipsets in 2024.
“The proven results achieved with the first aircraft give us the confidence to scale this solution, reducing fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining the highest operational standards,” said Seitz.
The surface film features riblets that replicates the flow-optimised structure of sharkskin. The riblets are orientated to optimise airflow and cover almost the entire fuselage and engine nacelles of the 777.
The modified fleet will see a 1% drag-reduction, enabling annual savings of up to 4,000 metric tonnes of jetfuel and 12,000 metric tonnes of CO2.