Why is important to clean aircraft regularly

“Because unwashed airplanes can experience increase in drag, poorer fuel mileage can be expected relative to clean airplanes. As a result, one of the easiest, most cost efficient steps an airline can take to save fuel costs is to maintain clean airplanes.

Periodic washing of airplane exteriors also minimizes metal corrosion and paint damage, aids in locating leaks and local damage, and improves the aesthetics of the airplane, enhancing the airline’s image with the traveling public.

The most effective means of reducing drag is to maintain aerodynamically clean airplanes”.

Source: Boeing: “Fuel Conservation-Flight Operations Engineering”