Shark Skin Tech Could Revolutionize Aircraft Fuel Efficiency

Australian scientists, in collaboration with aerospace firm MicroTau and Delta Air Lines, have developed a groundbreaking shark skin-inspired film that could slash aircraft fuel consumption and emissions.

The coating, created with advanced laser manufacturing, mimics the ribbed texture of shark skin to reduce aerodynamic drag by disrupting turbulence-causing vortices on aircraft surfaces.

These micro-grooved, self-adhesive patches have been tested on aircraft like the C-130J and Boom Supersonic’s XB-1, showing no wear and tear. Applied to commercial jets, such as the Airbus A380, the film could save over $5,000 in fuel and prevent 18 metric tons of carbon emissions per flight.

Delta’s Sustainable Skies Lab director estimates the technology could reduce fuel use by up to 4%—potentially saving the airline industry 4 billion gallons of fuel annually. With further refinement, MicroTau aims to boost that figure to 10%, offering a scalable, retrofit solution to cut costs and carbon footprints across global aviation.