Airlines are turning to one of the ocean's most efficient predators for eco-inspiration, copying the microscopic texture of shark skin to slash fuel consumption and emissions. Olivia Palamountain reports

As the aviation industry scrambles for solutions to its environmental challenge, European and Asian carriers are embracing aircraft modifications inspired by shark skin.

Vueling has become the first European airline to partner with Australian technology company MicroTau to explore its "shark skin" Riblet Modification Package, while All Nippon Airways (ANA) has expanded its use of similar AeroSHARK technology to passenger aircraft. This makes it the first airline worldwide to operate the system on both cargo and passenger Boeing 777s.

The technology mimics the microscopic texture of shark skin, which appears smooth but is actually covered in tiny grooves called riblets that help reduce drag as the animal moves through water.

Applied as a film to aircraft exteriors, these riblets can improve fuel efficiency by up to 4% according to MicroTau, whilst ANA has verified approximately 1% savings with the AeroSHARK system developed by Lufthansa Technik and BASF.

"The possibility of implementing MicroTau's cutting-edge technology across our aircraft once it is certified will mark an important milestone in Vueling's journey toward sustainable aviation," says Franc Sanmartí, director of sustainability at Vueling.

ANA, which began operating a Boeing 777 Freighter with the technology in September 2024, has now launched commercial operations of its first passenger aircraft equipped with AeroSHARK. The airline plans to expand the technology across other aircraft of the same type.

The riblet modifications require no structural changes to aircraft and can be retrofitted to existing fleets. Lufthansa Technik currently holds certifications for AeroSHARK modifications on various Boeing 777 types, with approximately 28 long-haul aircraft already operating with the technology worldwide.

Both airlines view the shark-inspired technology as part of broader sustainability strategies that include sustainable aviation fuel usage and operational optimisations as the industry faces pressure to reduce its environmental impact.