United Airlines’ fleet is about to get a little more futuristic.
The Chicago-based airline announced it would be investing in aviation startup JetZero, known for its innovative blended wing body aircraft that are designed to be ultra-fuel-efficient. United’s investment includes a conditional purchase agreement to order up to 100 of the planes, with an option to purchase another 100 after that.
The aircraft’s blended wing design reduces drag and produces lift across the whole wingspan, plus it can fly at a higher altitude, all of which could reduce fuel burn by up to 50 percent per passenger mile compared to more traditional aircraft of the same size. JetZero’s Z4 aircraft flies on conventional aviation fuel but also has propulsion systems that can run on sustainable fuel blend. The aircraft is designed to transport 250 passengers.
JetZero has yet to operate its first test flights with the plane, but it estimates it will launch full-scale demonstrator flights in 2027. Hitting that milestone, along with meeting other safety and business standards, are conditions for United’s purchase of the aircraft.
In addition to decreasing fuel burn, the plane is also supposed to enhance the onboard experience for passengers, too. On the new planes, fliers can look forward to “flexible seating options, larger seats across all classes, and dedicated overhead bin space for each seat,” according to United. The aircraft’s larger cabin door would make the boarding process faster and more efficient, while wider aisles and handicap-compatible lavatories would make flights more accessible for passengers with limited mobility.
"If successful, JetZero has the potential to evolve our core mainline business by developing aircraft with a bigger, more comfortable cabin experience for our customers while increasing fuel efficiency across our network," said Andrew Chang, head of United Airlines Ventures, the airline’s venture capital fund that invests in startup companies that could help lower the company’s carbon output and enhance the passenger experience.
When they’re ready to enter service, the aircraft could be deployed on routes rather seamlessly, as the plane’s are compatible with today’s airport infrastructure and don’t require any new jetbridges, runways, or taxiways.
Fliers in the United States could soon see a lot of JetZero’s aircraft: in addition to United, both Delta and Alaska Airlines have also invested in the startup’s blended wing planes.
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