JetZero partners with Delta Air Lines to develop sustainable, fuel-efficient aircraft

JetZero's blended wing airplane will significantly reduce emissions by using up to 50% less fuel (rendering). Credit: JetZero

JetZero is collaborating with Delta Air Lines to develop a revolutionary, more sustainable aircraft featuring a blended-wing-body (BWB) design. This partnership aligns with Delta’s mission to innovate, reduce costs through fuel savings, improve customer experience, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Details on JetZero and Delta Air Lines sustainable aircraft 

The BWB design promises to be up to 50% more fuel-efficient than traditional tube-and-wing aircraft. Delta’s expertise in operations will play a key role in making this technology viable, supporting JetZero’s goal to introduce the aircraft for its first flight in 2027. The collaboration comes after JetZero received a grant from the U.S. Air Force in 2023 to help build a full-scale demonstrator.

“Working with JetZero to realise an entirely new airframe and experience for customers and employees is bold and important work to advance the airline industry’s fuel-saving initiatives and innovation goals,” said Amelia DeLuca, Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer. She stressed the importance of partnering with innovators like JetZero to address future aviation emissions.

The BWB aircraft’s innovative design offers numerous benefits. It is expected to be quieter than current models, thanks to engine placement on top of the aircraft, and could reduce noise pollution at airports. With a capacity to carry over 250 passengers, it will meet growing travel demands while offering faster turnaround times and better fuel efficiency. Additionally, the aircraft will be capable of using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), further reducing carbon emissions.

Delta’s support extends beyond the aircraft’s development to designing a future-oriented passenger experience. The BWB airframe offers unique possibilities for improving cabin space, such as dedicated overhead bins and accessible seating, ensuring a better experience for passengers and crew.

“JetZero is working to change the world by bringing to market an aircraft that aims to fly this decade and make immediate and marked progress toward reducing airline energy costs, and the associated emissions,” said Tom O’Leary, JetZero co-founder and CEO. He highlighted that this collaboration is vital in meeting the aviation industry’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.

This initiative is part of Delta’s broader Sustainability Roadmap, launched in 2023, which outlines strategies to decarbonise the airline’s operations and foster long-term sustainability in aviation.

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