Lufthansa Technik applies Aeroshark drag-reducing film on five LATAM aircraft

Five LATAM Airlines Group Boeing 777-300ERs will be coated with Lufthansa Technik’s Aeroshark drag-reducing film – the first carrier in the Americas and the third in the world to use this technology in order to save fuel and reduce emissions. The German company said on 3 October that it has been testing the film on one LATAM long-haul aircraft since December 2023. That test has shown an approximately 1% reduction in jet fuel consumption in daily operations, and based on those results, four more aircraft will receive the refit. “Our fleet modernisation strategy is a cornerstone of our commitment to sustainability and our vision of achieving net-zero [emissions] by 2050,” says Sebastian Acuto, director of fleet and projects for Santiago-based LATAM. “We remain focused on innovation and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, ensuring our fleet evolves in line with our environmental goals.” LATAM CE Roberto Alvo has become one of Latin America’s strongest advocates and loudest voices for sustainability in aviation operations. Earlier this year, he told FlightGlobal that decarbonisation will be the biggest challenge for the industry in the first half of the 21st century.<br/>