Delta Air Lines is set to experiment with “shark skin” riblets on its Boeing 767 aircraft. Partnering with MicroTau from Australia, the airline seeks to enhance fuel efficiency by utilizing technology inspired by shark skin, which could reduce drag on the aircraft.
The sustainable aviation initiative is spearheaded by Delta’s Sustainable Skies Lab. By mimicking the texture of shark skin, known for its energy-efficient swimming, Delta intends to smoothen airflow over the aircraft, thus potentially cutting fuel use and emissions. Sangita Sharma, Director of the Sustainable Skies Lab, remarked, “Delta’s Sustainable Skies Lab bridges the gap between ideas and proven innovation by accelerating research, design, and testing for a more sustainable future of air travel.”
MicroTau has previously applied this technology on a US Air Force Lockheed Martin C-130J, and estimates a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 4% for the Boeing 767. Alongside the riblets, Delta is testing finlets on certain Boeing 737s to reshape airflow and reduce drag, an approach similarly inspired by natural design.
Delta is striving for net-zero emissions by 2050, emphasizing incremental innovations like riblets and finlets as part of their plan. This complements the broader strategy involving the acquisition of fuel-efficient aircraft and investing in future technologies to reach decarbonization goals.
The airline’s fleet, one of the largest globally with 996 planes averaging 16 years in age, includes models such as the Airbus A321, A320, A319, Boeing 737, 717, and 767. Delta focuses on ensuring these older models are as fuel-efficient as possible to align with its environmental commitments.
