United Airlines invests in JetZero’s Z4, a blended wing body (BWB) aircraft that could redefine comfort with a spacious cabin.
Potential purchase of up to 200 futuristic Z4 jets, the investment includes a path to order up to 100 airplanes and an option for an additional 100.
The conditional purchase agreement is based on JetZero achieving development milestones, including flight of a full-scale demonstrator in 2027.
Z4 would use up to 45 percent less fuel compared to the twin-aisle aircraft that operate that route today.
The airplane also is expected to integrate readily into today's airport infrastructure, requiring no new accommodations for jet bridges, runways or taxiways.
In 2023, the U.S. Air Force announced a $235 million contract to JetZero to fast-track the development of JetZero's full scale demonstrator.
The JetZero Z4 airplane is designed to accommodate 250 passengers and fly on conventional jet fuel, with propulsion systems able to utilize sustainable aviation fuel blends.
United's corporate venture capital fund, United Airlines Ventures (UAV) enables the airline to invest in emerging companies that have the potential to influence the future of travel.
UAV has made a number of alternative aircraft investments including:
Andrew Chang, head of United Airlines Ventures (UAV), said:
"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,"
"United Airlines Ventures® was created to support our efforts to find innovative companies that can enhance the customer travel experience and help the airline lower its carbon footprint, and we believe JetZero reflects that philosophy."
Tom O'Leary, CEO and co-founder of JetZero, said:
"United's investment in our company signals the industry's belief that new, innovative technology is needed in order to achieve the efficiency and cost savings that will be required to meet the continued growth in demand for air travel across the globe,"
"JetZero is focused on one key technology – the airframe – that enables us to address all of the barriers to growth. This program is the only one in development today that promises efficiency and an elevated customer experience."
The design contributes to a more efficient operation due to its shape and the higher altitude at which it will fly.
The aircraft design has the potential to also offer improvements to the passenger experience like flexible seating options, larger seats across all classes and dedicated overhead bin space for each seat.
Additionally, the design streamlines the boarding process with a main boarding door that is wider than that of a comparably sized aircraft, leading to multiple aisles and passenger cabin bays for more efficient passenger distribution.
It may further enhance accessibility by featuring wider aisles and handicap-accessible lavatories, creating a comfortable travel environment for all passengers and in-flight crew.
Delta Air Lines is also partnering with JetZero, expecting a more sustainable aircraft as a part of the plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
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