ZIPAIR Tokyo Begins Operating Boeing 787-8 with Riblet-Shaped Coating

ZIPAIR Tokyo has been operating a Boeing 787-8 aircraft with a riblet-shaped coating since January 27.

The coating was applied jointly by Japan Airlines (JAL), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and O-Well. The aircraft in question is a single Boeing 787-8 (registration: JA851J). This is the first time that a riblet-shaped coating has been applied to a ZIPAIR aircraft.

Riblets are a fine groove structure inspired by shark skin. By arranging these grooves along the airflow on the surface of the aircraft, the technology reduces aerodynamic drag during flight. Using the Paint-to-Paint Method jointly developed by O-Well and JAXA, a fine groove structure was formed on the side of the fuselage, resulting in a treatment that reduces weight and improves durability compared to decal or film methods. By improving the press-on jigs and positioning jigs for the riblet transfer sheets, and performing the work in the JAL hangar at Narita Airport, the partners increased both quality and work efficiency, while also establishing a system that enables application not only at Haneda Airport but also at Narita Airport.

Since January 18, 2025, JAL has been operating a Boeing 787-9 (registration: JA868J) with a riblet-shaped coating on the fuselage on international routes, and in November 2025 expanded the coated area to the upper fuselage. According to JAXA, this expansion improved the drag reduction rate during cruise from 0.24% to 0.31%. It is estimated that, if operated on the Narita–Frankfurt route for one year, this would result in a reduction of approximately 154 tons of fuel and about 492 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

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