The improved aerodynamic efficiency of formation flight is a result of induced drag reductions when multiple wings fly in close lateral proximity to one another to take advantage of the upwash fields of neighboring wings. The spacing in the streamwise direction, however, can be sufficiently large for safe flight operations. Maximum drag benefits are seen when neighboring wings in a formation have a lateral overlap of approximately 10% of the span. Theoretical studies of elliptically loaded wings in formation show that induced drag reduction ranges from 44% for two wings to 81% for 25 wings. V‐shaped formations, often seen in flocks of migrating birds, result in equal distribution of the drag benefit amongst all the individuals. Formation flight has the potential to result in significantly reduced fuel burn even when applied to existing aircraft and routes.