Writer

Amy Laboda

Action Aviation has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with AirGlide, a UK company, which claims that its new Aviation Shield nano-technology coating can result in aircraft fuel-burn savings of around 4 percent through drag reduction of up to 40 percent. Nano particles fill all the microscopic gaps and crevices in the aircraft skin surface.
“In today’s world of high fuel costs and emphasis on carbon emissions we are particularly focusing the Aviation Shield coating on the worldwide airline market, where fuel savings such as these can make all the difference to airline profit margins,” said Hamish Harding, chairman of <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ebace-convention-news/2012-05-12/european-business-aviation-weathers-tough-times">Action Aviation</a>.
Action’s website already has a section explaining the benefits of the coatings. One example given is for an Airbus A318 on a two-hour flight. Assuming fuel-burn of 9,500 pounds, with an AirGlide coating some 200 pounds could be saved. Yearly fuel savings for an airline flying six flights per day would be $210,000 per aircraft, leading to “typical payback in 10 to 12 weeks.” An airline operating 100 short-haul aircraft could save $21 million annually.
The advantages claimed for the coatings also include reduction of carbon footprint, reduction of cleaning and maintenance costs, protection against corrosion and erosion, reduction of debris build-up on leading edge and primary areas and reduction of ice accretion. The livery/paint scheme is also preserved for longer, which also means lower drag for longer periods.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.