United invests in blended wing aircraft start-up JetZero

United Airlines announced it would invest in the blended wing body (BWB) aircraft start-up JetZero. The company is creating an aircraft design that has the potential to deliver jet fuel efficiency and a greatly enhanced customer experience. The investment includes a path to order up to 100 airplanes and an option for an additional 100. The conditional purchase agreement is based on JetZero achieving development milestones, including the flight of a full-scale demonstrator in 2027, among other conditions, including that the aircraft meet United's safety, business, and operating requirements.

JetZero's design reduces drag and produces lift across the entire wingspan, which could lead to a 50% reduction in fuel burn per passenger mile compared to a similar-sized aircraft. The technology could help United lower its carbon emissions while reducing the cost of operations. In 2023, the U.S. Air Force announced a US$235 million contract to JetZero to fast-track the development of JetZero's full-scale demonstrator. The JetZero Z4 airplane is designed to accommodate 250 passengers for 5000 nautical miles (9260 km) and fly on conventional jet fuel, with propulsion systems able to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blends.

The airplane's shape and how JetZero plans to enter the plane into service address 'industry pain points'. The design contributes to a more efficient operation due to its shape and the higher altitude at which it will fly. For instance, a flight from New York/Newark to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, would use up to 45% less fuel than the twin-aisle aircraft operating that route today. The airplane is also expected to integrate readily into today's airport infrastructure, requiring no new accommodations for jet bridges, runways, or taxiways.

The aircraft design can also improve the passenger experience by offering flexible seating options, larger seats across all classes, and dedicated overhead bin space for each seat. Additionally, the design streamlines the boarding process with a wider main boarding door than that of a comparably sized aircraft, leading to multiple aisles and passenger cabin bays for more efficient passenger distribution. It may further enhance accessibility by featuring wider aisles and handicap-accessible lavatories.

JetZero's agreement with the Air Force focuses on advancing airframe technology and capabilities, showcasing its potential, and providing the Department of Defense and commercial industry more options to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Several military aircraft configurations can be made with this design, including air transport and refueling tanker variants, which collectively account for approximately 60% of the Air Force's total annual jet fuel consumption.

(article source: United Airlines / editor: Anton van Rijsbergen)
(image source: United Airlines)