The riblet-shaped coating has been successfully implemented on Japan Airlines’ low-cost carrier, ZIPAIR’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which is a major breakthrough in overcoming aircraft drag and increasing fuel efficiency. This innovative project, undertaken by Japan Airlines in partnership with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and O-Well Corporation, aims to make a significant contribution to the decarbonization of aircraft by reducing CO2 emissions.
What Is Riblet-shaped Coating?
Riblet-shaped coating refers to fine grooves inspired by the texture of shark skin, designed to reduce aerodynamic drag on an aircraft’s fuselage. These microscopic grooves smooth the airflow around the plane, lowering the drag during flight, which results in significant fuel savings and a reduction in carbon emissions. This novel solution is being applied to ZIPAIR’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft (JA851J), which began its operations on international routes starting January 27, 2026.
A Step Towards Sustainable Air Travel
ZIPAIR’s move to implement riblet-shaped paint is part of the airline’s broader efforts to enhance environmental sustainability. The airline has already earned carbon neutrality certification under the international standard ISO 14068-1:2023, reflecting its commitment to reducing CO2 emissions. By applying this new technology, ZIPAIR is not only improving fuel efficiency but also taking concrete steps to align with global aviation sustainability goals.
The riblet coating applied to ZIPAIR’s aircraft will reduce drag during flight, which leads to lower fuel consumption and subsequently fewer carbon emissions. This is especially significant for long-haul flights, where even small improvements in fuel efficiency can result in substantial environmental benefits.
Innovation Through the Paint-to-Paint Method
The riblet-shaped coating was applied using the innovative “Paint-to-Paint Method,” which forms a textured coating on the existing paint film using a water-soluble mold. This method ensures a smooth and efficient application of the riblet coating, which was first used on ZIPAIR’s aircraft fuselage at Narita International Airport. The process has been continually refined with the introduction of new technologies, such as the sheet positioning jig and improvements to the crimping jig of the riblet molding sheet, resulting in better quality and efficiency in the application.
This technology has been instrumental in reducing the complexity of the application, making it both cost-effective and scalable. As a result, it can be applied across a wider range of aircraft, contributing to greater sustainability across the aviation industry.
Expanding Riblet Coating Across JAL Group Fleet
In addition to ZIPAIR, Japan Airlines (JAL) has also been using riblet-shaped coatings on its Boeing 787-9 aircraft (JA868J). Since January 18, 2025, JAL has applied a large-scale riblet coating to its aircraft, with the coating later extended to the upper fuselage in November 2025. The application on the upper fuselage has resulted in an estimated drag reduction rate increase from 0.24% to 0.31%, which translates to a reduction of approximately 154 tons of fuel and 492 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
JAXA’s drag reduction analysis demonstrates that the expanded riblet application significantly improves fuel consumption, making it an effective tool for enhancing long-haul flight sustainability. This collaboration is part of JAXA’s broader initiative to reduce the environmental impact of aviation through advanced technologies.
Riblet Coating’s Impact on Long-Haul Flights
The introduction of riblet-shaped coating has a profound impact on long-haul air travel, especially for international routes. As airlines like ZIPAIR and JAL begin to apply these coatings on more aircraft, the overall fuel consumption across long-haul flights will decrease, contributing to lower operating costs for airlines while reducing their environmental footprint.
Tourists and travelers flying long distances will benefit from these advancements as they contribute to the overall sustainability of air travel. Lower fuel consumption means fewer carbon emissions, which aligns with growing global demands for greener travel options. The implementation of riblet technology could make air travel more environmentally friendly while also helping to control the rising costs of flying.
Ongoing Research and Future Developments
As part of its commitment to continuous improvement, JAXA is also exploring a new riblet shape designed for even greater drag reduction performance. The sharp single bevel riblet, inspired by the edge of a kitchen knife, shows promise in improving skin-friction drag reduction by an additional 6 to 6.5 percent. This new riblet shape is currently undergoing flight durability testing to ensure its effectiveness during actual flight conditions.
The development of these advanced riblet shapes could further revolutionize the aviation industry by reducing fuel consumption even more, making air travel even more efficient and sustainable. This research is part of JAXA’s Space Innovation through Partnership and Co-creation (J-SPARC) program, which is designed to promote collaboration between industry leaders to accelerate the development of space and aviation technologies.
Benefits of Riblet Technology for the Aviation Industry and Tourists
Riblet technology offers a range of benefits for both the aviation industry and tourists. For airlines, the reduction in fuel consumption translates to lower operational costs, which could potentially lead to more affordable ticket prices for passengers. For tourists, the environmental impact of air travel will be significantly reduced, helping to align air travel with the increasing demand for sustainable tourism options.
Additionally, the introduction of riblet-coated aircraft will improve the overall flying experience by promoting more fuel-efficient, eco-friendly flights. As travelers become more environmentally conscious, airlines adopting such innovative technologies will become more attractive to passengers seeking greener alternatives.
Continuing Innovation for a Sustainable Future
The partnership between ZIPAIR, JAL, JAXA, and O-Well Corporation represents a strong commitment to advancing sustainability within the aviation sector. As the technology continues to evolve and more aircraft are equipped with riblet coatings, the aviation industry will be able to make significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint.
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