A thin film coating inspired by the skin of sharks has been developed by engineers from the aircraft maintenance company Lufthansa Technik and coatings and chemicals manufacturer BASF.

The coating, appropriately dubbed AeroSHARK, is a durable thin film applied to an aircraft’s outer skin that features millions of 50 micrometer high riblets, or protrusions, similar to those featured on shark skin.

Source: Lufthansa

According to its developers, the AeroSHARK film reportedly reduces drag and, consequently, fuel consumption and thus carbon emissions from aircraft.

During lab tests of the film, the engineers discovered that fuel consumption was reduced by 1.1% when the film was applied to engines and the fuselage of a Boeing 777. As such, Lufthansa has already started coating its own cargo aircraft with the skin.

Additionally, the engineers have begun investigations to determine if the film can eventually be used on aircraft wings.

For more information on AeroSHARK, watch the accompanying video that appears courtesy of Lufthansa Technik.