An air induction system for an aircraft to control distortion and pressure recovery for improved aerodynamic performance. The system includes an inlet and at least one dielectric barrier discharge generator positioned upstream of the engine for imparting momentum to a low-energy boundary layer of air. A plurality of spaced dielectric barrier discharge generators may be activated in selected combinations to optimize performance at respective flight conditions. In one embodiment, one or more generators may be oriented generally transverse relative to the flow of intake air to eject the boundary layer in a lateral direction and prevent its ingestion by the engine. In another embodiment, one or more generators may be oriented along the direction of flow to accelerate the boundary layer air.