Delta Air Lines has decided to partner with MicroTau, an Australian aerospace technology firm, to enhance fuel efficiency through innovative solutions inspired by nature. Their product, the Riblet Modification Package, mimics shark skin to reduce drag.

The initiative will start with testing on the Boeing 767 fleet. According to MicroTau, applying this ‘shark skin’ technology can improve fuel efficiency by up to 4%. This aligns with the airline’s commitment to finding sustainable practices in aviation.

Shark Skin Technology

Sharks feature microscopic grooves called dermal denticles that allow for efficient swimming, and now this principle is being applied to reduce aircraft drag. Delta’s Sustainable Skies Lab is searching for partnerships that promote innovative aviation practices, working alongside companies like Airbus, Boeing, and JetZero.

Sangita Sharma, the lab’s director, notes that the program aims to bridge the gap between concept and implementation, fostering research into the future of sustainable flying. Delta’s efforts contribute to reducing carbon footprints while enhancing current aircraft fleets and investing in next-generation planes that prioritize fuel efficiency.