Vueling becomes MicroTau's first European airline customer and will support certification of MicroTau's 'shark skin' drag reduction product

• Vueling is partnering with MicroTau to help the company certify its Riblet Modification Package product for its narrow-body fleet, an innovative film that mimics the microscopic texture of shark skin to improve aerodynamic performance

• The ‘shark skin’ surface can improve fuel efficiency by up to 4%, supporting Vueling’s ongoing commitment to sustainability

• Vueling will become the first airline customer in Europe to use MicroTau’s innovative technology for narrow-body aircraft

Video credit: Vueling Airlines

Vueling, one of Europe’s largest low-cost airlines, today announces that it has signed a Letter of Intent with Australian aerospace technology company, MicroTau, to become its first airline customer in Europe, and to support the certification of its ‘shark skin’ Riblet Modification Package so it can be used in the near future across its narrow-body fleet. This partnership is 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, commented: “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.”

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.”

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.

About Vueling

Vueling, an IAG company, is a benchmark airline in Europe and key to connectivity in Spain.

It is a leader in its main base in Barcelona-El Prat, and in other relevant markets in Spain such as Bilbao. It also leads the connection between the peninsula and the Balearic and Canary Islands. At an international level, it is working to strengthen its presence in bases such as Paris-Orly or London-Gatwick. The company has a network of around 260 routes a year connecting 30 countries. In 2024, it operated more than 223,000 flights.

With more than 4,600 employees, Vueling is the only European Top Employer airline. The company is strongly committed to the decarbonisation of the sector and, as part of IAG, has committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 through the implementation of the FlightPath Net Zero strategy.

About MicroTau

MicroTau is an Australian aerospace technology company focused on improving the efficiency of the global aviation fleet through its drag-reducing Riblet Modification Package product inspired by the skin of fast swimming sharks. MicroTau is an end-to-end provider for this technology, providing a turnkey solution for customers to help reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

For more information:

Vueling Communication Department: vueling@launchpr.co.uk

MicroTau Media Contact: Duncan Bell: duncan@microtau.com.au

* Inspired by the microstructure of shark skin, this biomimetic technology, creates a ribbed surface texture on the aircraft’s exterior to drive drag reduction. MicroTau estimates this can improve fuel efficiency by up to 4%.