Delta, JetZero Partnering to Develop Blended-Wing Commercial Aircraft

The development, which builds upon a Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) investment in the BWB technology, comes as Delta continues to focus on its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

California-based JetZero's BWB aircraft received a boost in 2023 for its BWB aircraft when the U.S. Air Force awarded it $235 million over four years for the development and production of a full-scale demonstrator. The aircraft is to take its first flight in 2027.

The carrier is expected to play a crucial role in the aircraft development "by providing the operational expertise to help make this technology viable," the airline said Thursday.

"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,” Amelia DeLuca, Delta’s chief sustainability officer, said in a statement. 

According to the carrier, the BWB airframe technology is expected to be up to 50 percent more fuel efficient than tube-and-wing designs when compared to current generation midrange aircraft on a gallon-per-available-seat-mile basis. The aircraft design is lighter, creates less drag, and provides more lifting surface area, and even load and lift distribution. The aircraft is expected to carry more than 250 passengers and also has the potential to fit into existing commercial airport infrastructure. It will also utilize sustainable aviation fuel.

“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,” said Tom O’Leary, JetZero cofounder and CEO. “The ability to realize 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 realized."