Easyjet is hoping a new type of ultra light paint could lower its fuel consumption, by reducing drag and increasing efficiency.
The nano-technology coating, known as triple0 and distributed in the UK by Ooops, reduces the build-up of debris on the aircraft’s surface, with reduces drag.
The manufacturers estimate the coating could reduce Easyjet’s fuel consumption by between 1 and 2%.
Paul Booker, managing director at ooops, said: “Laboratory testing demonstrates a reduction in drag of up to 39%, which correlates with a direct fuel saving and overall reduction in carbon footprint.”
The coating has been used by the US military as a "surface protectant" for 20 years, but has only recently been made commercially available, said Booker.
Easyjet is trialling the coating on eight aircraft to compare fuel consumption with the rest of the fleet over a 12-month period.
Carolyn McCall, Easyjet's CEO said the airline would pass on reduced fuel costs to passengers.
"Efficiency is in Easyjet's DNA,” she said. “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.”
McCall also called for the government to support airlines that are working to reduce their carbon footprint.
She said: “All airlines should be incentivised to reduce the environmental impact of their operations which is why we welcome the government's commitment to move from APD to a fairer, greener per plane tax."
www.easyjet.com www.tripleops.com