Vueling has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with an Australian aerospace tech firm to help shave its carbon emissions by using shark skin technology to reduce drag.
Vueling and MicroTau announced on May 23, 2025, that the IAG-owned airline would become the first European airline to test the tech firm’s shark skin product on its aircraft.
Under the partnership agreement, Vueling will help MicroTau to certify its Riblet Modification Package product so that it can eventually be used on its narrow-body fleet.
MicroTau’s Riblet Modification Package consists of an innovative film that mimics the microscopic texture of shark skin. It is applied to the exterior of the body of aircraft to improve aerodynamic performance, which could reduce carbon emissions by up to 4%.
Although a shark’s skin appears smooth, it’s actually covered in microscopic grooves known as riblets, which help reduce drag as the animal moves through the water.
Using the same principles and applying them to the outside of an aircraft reduces drag without requiring any structural modifications.
Franc Sanmartí, Director of Sustainability at Vueling, said: “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. This innovation not only supports our goal of improving fuel efficiency but also reinforces our commitment to reducing our CO2 emissions through forward-thinking solutions.”
MicroTau has also signed an agreement with Delta Air Lines to test the product on its Boeing 767 aircraft. The shark skin film has also been trialed on Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 technology demonstrator.
MicroTau CEO Henry Bilinsky said: “Efficiency is hard-won in aviation, with most decarbonisation solutions decades away from implementation or carrying a substantial cost premium. MicroTau is laser-focused on delivering our end-to-end riblet solution to aircraft operators to reduce emissions and save operational costs in the process, and it’s fantastic to have Vueling on board as a key customer and partner to make this happen.”
