Together, Delta Air Lines and JetZero are creating a ground-breaking, environmentally friendly passenger aircraft that uses less fuel and emits fewer emissions.
American airline Delta Air Lines has revealed plans to collaborate with California-based company JetZero to create a ground-breaking new passenger aircraft. The cutting-edge blended-wing-body aircraft is anticipated to begin operations as early as 2027 and is designed to lower pollution and fuel expenses. In contrast to conventional tube-and-wing designs, the lightweight airframe will accommodate more than 250 passengers and offer a more peaceful ride thanks to roof-mounted engines. As part of its efforts to become carbon neutral by 2050, Delta is using this environmentally friendly aircraft.
As part of the global carrier’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, Delta said in a release that it will use its Sustainable Skies Lab to offer best-in-class operational experience to bring the unique blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft to commercial viability. An international airline will offer interior design consultations in an effort to reinvent and improve the experiences of its patrons and staff.
With current engine technology, JetZero’s BWB design is anticipated to be up to 50% more fuel-efficient than current aircraft, with a flight range and seat capacity comparable to mid-range international aircraft.
Amelia DeLuca, Chief Sustainability Officer at Delta, stated, “It is bold and significant work to advance the airline industry’s fuel-saving initiatives and innovation goals to work with JetZero to realize an entirely new airframe and experience for customers and employees.”
“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.”
“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,” Tom O’Leary, CEO and cofounder of JetZero
“The industry’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 will be significantly impacted by the capacity to achieve such large efficiency gains in the near future. It will also provide the framework for the realization of other technologies and efficiencies. One of the first airlines to collaborate with us, Delta has been helping us out behind the scenes since 2023, and we anticipate that they will continue to support our program with their extensive knowledge and experience.
