easyJet puts coating on planes to cut carbon emissions

easyJet has become the first commercial airline to trial a revolutionary nano-technology coating on its aircraft aimed at increasing fuel efficiency. The ultra-thin coating, already used on US military aircraft, […]

easyJet has become the first commercial airline to trial a revolutionary nano-technology coating on its aircraft aimed at increasing fuel efficiency.

The ultra-thin coating, already used on US military aircraft, is a polymer that cross links and bonds to the paint surface and only adds an estimated 4oz to the weight of the plane.

The coating cuts down the build-up of debris on the aircraft’s structure, thereby reducing drag. The manufacturers of the coating estimate that it could reduce easyJet’s fuel consumption by up to 2%.

The airline has coated eight aircraft and will compare their fuel consumption with the rest of the fleet during a 12-month trial period.

easyJet chief executive Carolyn McCall said: “easyJet is really pleased about the trial with the special coating on our aircraft. Efficiency is in easyJet’s DNA. If we can find new ways of reducing the amount of fuel used by our aircraft we can pass the benefits onto our passengers by offering them low fares and a lower carbon footprint.”

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