Originally published on World Aviation Festival
Delta Air Lines has announced a “game-changing” new partnership with start up JetZero to catalyse the production of a blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft. The aircraft design is expected to be up to 50 per cent more fuel-efficient than today’s models.
The official partnership, announced yesterday, follows JetZero’s existing collaboration with the US Air Force, which awarded the start up a grant in 2023.
JetZero plans to launch its first aircraft in 2030 with 100 per cent SAF compatibility, bolstered by support from the US Air Force, NASA, and the FAA.
Delta will “provide the operational expertise to help make this technology viable,” committing its extensive knowledge of maintenance and operational insights to develop the aircraft.
Speaking on the announcement, Amelia DeLuca, Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer said:
“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. 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, like JetZero’s blended-wing-body aircraft, to solve for a significant portion of future aviation emissions.”
JetZero is the fourth “revolutionary fleet” partnership the carrier has signed as it assumes a leading role in shaping the future of sustainable aviation.
For more like this see: