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IAG backs MAKO to flight-test shark-skin riblet film aimed at ~4% fuel-burn reduction

IAG has invested in Australian startup MAKO, which develops a shark-skin-inspired drag-reduction “riblet film” (Flightfilm). The carrier group plans flight-testing this year on an aircraft operated by one of its airlines, with initial roll-out targeted for the Airbus A320. MAKO says the coating could cut fuel burn by up to 4%.

Discovered 2026-06-29T07:10:56.082081-07:00 | 2026-06-29T07:10:56.082081-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • IAG’s investment and planned in-service flight tests this year indicate accelerating industry validation of low-drag coatings as a near-term fuel-efficiency lever.
  • MAKO’s stated performance target—up to a 4% fuel-burn reduction—and the planned focus on the Airbus A320 connect the technology directly to mainstream fleet economics.
  • The MAKO Series A funding ($20M) supports the commercialization and certification pathway referenced in the cluster, shaping how quickly airlines can adopt drag-reduction retrofit solutions.

Reported By

Aviation Week Simple Flying tectonicdefense.com AeroTime FlightGlobal
Sources Tracked
5
First Seen
2026-06-29T07:10:56.082081-07:00
Latest Update
2026-06-29T09:41:39.176105-07:00
Coverage
Aviation

Sources

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