Fuel-efficient air travel may soon get a futuristic upgrade, thanks to United Airlines’ latest investment in JetZero, a start-up pioneering blended wing body (BWB) aircraft. The unique aircraft design could drastically cut fuel consumption while offering a next-level customer experience—and United is placing a big bet on its success.
The investment includes a conditional agreement to purchase up to 100 of JetZero’s aircraft, with the option to double that number. These orders hinge on the startup reaching several key development milestones, such as the flight of a full-scale demonstrator by 2027 and the aircraft’s ability to meet United’s safety, operational, and business requirements.
JetZero’s Z4 aircraft features a revolutionary shape that spreads lift across the entire wingspan. This blended wing body design not only reduces drag but also allows for greater fuel efficiency, up to 50% less fuel burned per passenger mile compared to similarly sized aircraft. For United, this could mean major cost savings and a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
Beyond the environmental impact, the aircraft is being designed with the passenger in mind. JetZero’s layout allows for flexible seating, larger seats in all cabin classes, dedicated overhead bin space per seat, and wider aisles. A central boarding door—wider than current industry standards—along with multiple cabin bays, promises faster boarding and improved accessibility, including handicap-accessible lavatories.
“Andrew Chang,” head of United Airlines Ventures (UAV), said the move reflects United’s goal to find technologies that enhance both the customer experience and sustainability efforts. “If successful, JetZero has the potential to evolve our core mainline business,” he said.
JetZero also has backing from the U.S. Air Force, which awarded the company a $235 million contract in 2023 to accelerate development of a full-scale demonstrator. While military interest focuses on fuel efficiency and airframe performance, the technology clearly has commercial potential. The Z4 is designed to fly on conventional jet fuel, but its propulsion systems are also compatible with sustainable aviation fuel blends.
The plane is expected to integrate easily into current airport infrastructure, avoiding costly upgrades to runways or boarding systems. And for routes like New York/Newark to Palma de Mallorca, JetZero projects up to 45% less fuel use compared to today’s twin-aisle aircraft.
Tom O’Leary, JetZero’s CEO and co-founder, emphasized that their focus on a single technology—the airframe—offers a simple solution to many of the aviation industry’s challenges. “JetZero is the only program in development today that promises efficiency and an elevated customer experience,” he noted.
With United’s support and a clear vision for addressing both environmental and operational demands, JetZero might just be shaping the future of commercial aviation—one blended wing at a time.
