Vueling works with MicroTau as first european airline to explore ‘Shark Skin’ technology on fleet

Its narrow body aircrafts will use it to reduce emissions

Spanish-low-cost airline Vueling has announced it's signed a Letter of Intent with Australian aerospace technology company, MicroTau, to become its first airline customer in Europe.

This move will see one of Europe's largest LCC support the certification of its ‘shark skin’ Riblet Modification Package so it can be used across its narrow-body fleet in the "near future". 

It's part of Vueling’s wider strategic approach to reducing its emissions and improving its environmental impact. 

MicroTau’s Riblet Modification Package consists of an innovative film that mimics the microscopic texture of shark skin and 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 covered in microscopic grooves known as riblets, which help reduce drag as the animal moves through the water. 

Taking inspiration from nature, MicroTau’s Riblet Modification Package applies the same fluid dynamics principles to the outside of aircraft, reducing 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.” 

“Our partnership with MicroTau will be an important part of how we achieve our sustainability goals both in the short and long term, as we work to reduce the environmental impact of our operations and move towards a more sustainable future for the aviation industry.”  

Henry Bilinsky, CEO of MicroTau, 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.” 

This initiative is one element of Vueling’s broader sustainability strategy and reinforces its dedication to adopt initiatives that drive meaningful change.

This includes using Sustainable Aviation Fuel and optimising flight paths to reduce its emissions, and other measures like reducing the weight of its aircraft to keep advancing in its sustainability roadmap.