Lufthansa Technik has announced that testing has begun on a next-generation version of its fuel-saving AeroSHARK surface technology on a short-haul aircraft, marking the first time that the ‘shark skin’ material has been trialed outside of long-haul operations.
The tests, running through February 2027, involve an Airbus A319 from Lufthansa City Airlines, registered D-ABGK, flying regularly between Munich and Hamburg.
Lufthansa Technik is running the trial alongside development partner Surventis, formerly known as BASF Coatings. Around 70 transparent film patches, each measuring 20 by 20 centimeters, have been applied to both the inside and outside of the aircraft’s engine cowlings, as well as selected areas of its fuselage. The patches will be monitored over the coming months during normal flight operations, with the goal of gathering data to guide further development of the technology.
For travelers flying on the aircraft, named ‘Starnberg’, the test will be largely unnoticeable.
The film itself is transparent, and flight operations remain unaffected. A welcome panel near the aircraft’s entrance, featuring the AeroSHARK design, is the only visible indication of the trial for curious passengers.