Anti-insect paint and electric planes: can technology make aviation sustainable?

From Nasa's experimental X-planes to Google's airship, there's plenty of innovation but the emissions-intensive industry has a long way to go

Insects may not seem the most obvious problem to tackle when trying to make aviation more sustainable. But avoiding them on takeoff could help cut airlines' fuel bills and emissions by up to 10%.

It's already an idea that NASA has explored. Last year it tested hi-tech coatings to make dead insects slide off wings, with one design delivering a 40% reduction in insect residue.