43% less friction means 43% of fuel saved. Am I reading that right because it will change the world if true.

Not quite.

- The 43% is peak drag reduction in the transition zone only, the bit between laminar and turbulent flow, not across all flight conditions.

- Aerodynamic drag is one part of fuel burn, not a 1:1 proxy. There's also engine efficiency, etc.

- This is skin friction drag on a wind tunnel model, not a full aircraft which has extra bits like windscreen wipers.

I still think it's exciting but I reckon fuel savings would amount to a few percent (aeronautical engineers, please correct me if I'm wrong).