# Eco-Friendly Plane Wing Designs A Collaboration Between NASA and Boeing Could Cut Plane Emissions By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2016-04-08 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plane-wing References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/nasa-truss-braced-wing/42701/) & [nasa.gov](http://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/ames/slimmed-down-aircraft-wing-expected-to-reduce-fuel-and-emissions-by-50) Currently being developed by engineers from [NASA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graphene-battery) and [Boeing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boeing-and-united-airlines), a new plane wing design is being researched to help cut the emissions associated with commercial aircrafts. Planes are getting bigger as industry increases, but as planes get bigger so do operating costs because of fuel required. The new wings are much slimmer and longer than what's currently on airplanes and are described as being rather stiletto-like. This is because of the technology's ability to make the plane longer and leaner. With the new wings installed, planes would see the length of the wingspan increase by up to 50% with truces becoming necessary to keep the wings in place. However, the implementation of the new plane wings could help to [cut emissions dramatically](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decarbonizing-aviation) and make commercial aircraft transportation more feasible in the long run. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.6/10 - Popularity: 58% | Activity: 41% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Eco-friendly Plane Wing Designs:** The development of eco-friendly plane wing designs offers opportunities for disruptive innovations in the aviation industry. - **Slimmer and Longer Plane Wings:** The design of slimmer and longer plane wings presents opportunities for disruptive innovations in the production, materials, and technology used for aircrafts. - **Increased Wingspan with New Technology:** The implementation of new technology to increase wingspan presents opportunities for disruptive innovations in the aviation industry, particularly in safety and design considerations. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Aviation:** The development of eco-friendly plane wing designs presents opportunities for disruptive innovations in aircraft manufacturing, as well as reducing emissions and operating costs for commercial airlines. - **Aerospace:** The design of slimmer and longer plane wings presents opportunities for disruptive innovations in materials and technology used in aerospace engineering, which can lead to more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly aircrafts. - **Environmental:** The implementation of new technology to increase wingspan presents opportunities for disruptive innovations in environmental sustainability and reducing carbon footprint in the aviation industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Eco-Focused Airline Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alaska-airlines1.md) - [Sustainable Air Travel Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airspace-cabin-vision-2035-concept.md) - [Zero-Emission Solar-Powered Aircrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/falcon-horizon.md) - [Renewable Energy Aircrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-aircraft.md) - [Reduced Drag Aircrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crane-program.md) - [Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Engines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airbus.md) - [Decarbonizing Demonstrator Aircraft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/demonstrator-aircraft.md) - [Futuristic Bladeless Planes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jetopetra.md) - [Regional Electric Aircrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wright-spirit.md)