Delta & JetZero: A New Generation of Fuel-Efficient Aircraft
Delta Air Lines has announced a partnership with startup JetZero to develop a highly fuel-efficient blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft.
This collaboration aims to transform air travel by introducing an innovative design that could dramatically reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
“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,” says Amelia DeLuca, Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer.
“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.”
What is a blended-wing-body aircraft?
The BWB aircraft is a big change from the classic tube-and-wing structure, boasting a unique silhouette that promises considerable environmental benefits.
The design was first tested by NASA and Stanford University in the 1990s and was demonstrated to be safe and efficient.
JetZero and Delta hope to bring this aircraft design forwards and bring a number of key benefits for the environment and consumers, including:
- Up to 50% improved fuel efficiency compared to current aircraft
- Capacity for more than 250 passengers, comparable to existing widebody aircraft
- Significantly reduced noise levels due to top-mounted engines
- Compatibility with existing airport infrastructure
- Faster turnaround times
- Capability to use sustainable aviation fuel.
The BWB concept can reduce drag, provide more lifting surface area and ensure even load and lift distribution.
Delta and JetZero
Delta's partnership with JetZero is part of the airline's broader commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
As part of Delta's Sustainable Skies Lab, JetZero will gain from the airline's extensive operational knowledge and best practices in the industry.
“JetZero is working to change the world by bringing to market an aircraft that aims to fly this decade and make immediate and marked progress toward reducing airline energy costs, and the associated emissions,” says Tom O’Leary, JetZero’s Co-Founder and CEO.
“The ability to realise such significant efficiency gains in the near future meaningfully impacts the industry’s commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and will serve as the foundation on which other technologies and efficiencies can be realised.”
Beyond just technology development, Delta will also contribute to the interior design of the innovative aircraft.
What does the timeline look like?
Delta’s formal partnership with JetZero comes after the start-up received a grant from the US Air Force in 2023.
This grant is to help facilitate building a full-scale demonstrator for first flight in 2027.
Delta says it will play a crucial role in the development by providing operational expertise to help make this technology viable.
Tom says: “Delta was one of the first carriers to partner with us, supporting us behind the scenes since 2023, and we look forward to their continued support of our programme through their deep knowledge and expertise.”
Amelia said on LinkedIn: “Partnering with innovators like JetZero, who are advancing the industry at speeds we haven’t seen in decades, are going to help build the future of flight – as we celebrate 100 years and look to the next century.
“Innovation spurs innovation, and we look forward to working together to bring this BWB concept to commercial viability and lend Delta’s time, talent, resources and knowledge acquired over the last 100 years to influence what it takes to bring this revolutionary fleet technology to commercial viability.”
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