MAKO secured AU$28 million in Series A funding to scale production of Flightfilm, its shark-skin-inspired adhesive film that reduces friction drag by over 4%. Led by Virescent Ventures with participation from IAG, the capital will build a certified manufacturing facility and secure Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for Airbus A320 certification expected within 2026. The technology saves approximately 100,000 gallons of jet fuel annually per A320, cutting CO₂ emissions by 1,000 tonnes without structural modifications. MAKO targets retrofitting 200 commercial airliners yearly and is expanding into defense, including undisclosed US Air Force contracts for C-17 trials. IAG plans immediate flight tests on its fleet, positioning Vueling as Europe’s first adopter once regulatory approvals are granted.