Delta Air Lines is forging a partnership with JetZero, a California-based startup dedicated to innovating the aviation sector through the development of a blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft. This initiative aims to significantly reduce fuel consumption, decrease emissions, and diminish noise pollution associated with conventional jet engines.
Unlike traditional airplanes, which feature separate cylindrical fuselages and wings extending outward, the BWB design integrates these components into a single, streamlined structure. This approach is predicted to reduce aerodynamic drag while enhancing fuel efficiency, marking a substantial move towards the decarbonisation of air travel.
While Delta is not providing direct financial investment into JetZero, the airline is leveraging its vast experience in aviation operations. Through its Sustainable Skies Lab incubator, Delta’s engineers will deliver crucial insights that are expected to aid in the design, development, and eventual test flight of JetZero’s demonstrator aircraft, which has a target launch date set for 2027.
This collaboration aligns closely with Delta’s broader environmental goals. In 2020, the airline committed to investing $1 billion in various sustainability initiatives, establishing a goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. In 2022, Delta revised its focus, aiming instead for comprehensive decarbonisation.
JetZero’s BWB aircraft design claims to potentially cut emissions by as much as 50%, utilising existing engine technology and fuel infrastructure. The physical design advantages are notable, including:
- Reduced drag due to the continuous body structure, which decreases inefficiencies found in standard tube-and-wing designs.
- Enhanced lift distribution, enabling a lighter aircraft structure by increasing surface area.
- Quieter operations, as engines positioned on top of the wing rather than underneath can significantly lower noise levels.
Established in 2021, JetZero’s vision includes creating a next-generation aircraft capable of carrying 250 passengers, competing with existing midrange international jets. The startup has already received a substantial grant of $235 million from the U.S. Air Force and is collaborating with industry leaders Northrop Grumman and Scaled Composites to build and test a full-scale prototype.
However, the BWB concept presents notable challenges. One of the primary concerns is the complexity of emergency evacuations; the non-standard seating layout could complicate swift and safe exits. Additionally, the theatre-style seating arrangement might restrict the number and location of emergency exit doors, raising regulatory concerns that would need to be addressed.
The broader aerospace industry, including major players such as Boeing, Airbus, and NASA, has explored BWB prototypes in the past, yet none have attained commercial production. Furthermore, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification process remains uncertain, posing additional regulatory challenges that JetZero will need to navigate.
Despite these hurdles, Delta maintains confidence in JetZero’s innovative design, describing it as a potential solution “within reach.”
