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Delta, JetZero Team Up to Develop 50% More Fuel-Efficient Blended-Wing Aircraft

Delta, JetZero Team Up to Develop 50% More Fuel-Efficient Blended-Wing Aircraft

Delta, JetZero Team Up to Develop 50% More Fuel-Efficient Blended-Wing Aircraft
Listen to this story:
  • Revolutionary Fuel Efficiency: JetZero’s blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft design aims to be 50% more fuel-efficient than current models.
  • Net-Zero Commitment: Delta integrates the BWB aircraft into its sustainability strategy, pushing toward net-zero emissions by 2050.
  • Enhanced Passenger Experience: Delta’s expertise in interior design will reimagine air travel with spacious, more accessible cabins.

The Future of Flight

Delta Air Lines is partnering with JetZero to revolutionize air travel with a cutting-edge, more sustainable aircraft. The blended-wing-body (BWB) design—unlike anything flying today—will cut fuel use by up to 50% while maintaining comparable seat capacity and range to current mid-range international aircraft.

Driving Innovation for Sustainability

The partnership is part of Delta’s broader efforts to innovate and reduce emissions, supported by its Sustainable Skies Lab initiative. Delta will leverage its operational expertise to commercialize the BWB design, ensuring it aligns with existing airport infrastructure and operational demands.

While Delta is focused on doing what we can today to address our carbon footprint, it’s critical we also work with a variety of partners to advance revolutionary technologies.” – Amelia DeLuca, Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer

Amelia DeLuca, Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer

A Key Milestone: Flight Testing by 2027

JetZero’s BWB aircraft, backed by a 2023 U.S. Air Force grant, will undergo full-scale flight testing in 2027. Delta will provide strategic guidance to optimize performance, operations, and customer experience.

RELATED ARTICLE: Jet2 Announces Major Investment into UK Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production

JetZero is working to change the world by bringing to market an aircraft that aims to fly this decade and make immediate progress toward reducing airline energy costs and associated emissions.” – Tom O’Leary, JetZero CEO

Reinventing the Passenger Experience

Beyond sustainability, the aircraft’s unique shape allows for a reimagined cabin layout, providing:

  • Dedicated overhead bin space for each passenger
  • Wider, more accessible seating and lavatories
  • Fewer rows for a spacious in-flight experience

Proven Design with Next-Gen Potential

Originally tested by NASA and Stanford in the 1990s, the BWB design has long been recognized for its efficiency. Unlike hydrogen or electric aircraft, this model can operate with current jet engines and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), making it a near-term solution for greener aviation.

Industry Impact

  • Quieter Flights: Engine placement on top reduces noise pollution.
  • Lower Operational Costs: Significant fuel savings translate into cost reductions for airlines.
  • Faster Turnaround Times: Designed to integrate seamlessly into existing airport infrastructure.

Delta remains committed to advancing aviation innovation, reducing emissions, and enhancing passenger experiences, ensuring a sustainable future for air travel.

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