United Airlines to fly world’s first blended wing passenger jet, ushering in a new era of aviation

United Airlines has invested in JetZero, an aviation startup that is designing and creating a blended wing body aircraft.

The company says the JetZero’s Z4 blended wing body – also known as an ‘all wing’ design – will boost fuel efficiency and result in a ‘greatly enhanced customer experience’. 

United Airlines’ investment means it can order up to 100 of the aircraft, with an option to secure another 100. 

If all goes to plan, the new blended wing body planes could be an absolute game-changer for the aviation industry.

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United Airlines has invested in aircraft start-up JetZero

The aviation industry is rapidly changing and evolving; from the ‘Son of Concorde’ planes being built by Boom Supersonic to the French company behind the world’s first hydrogen-powered electric business jet, it’s clear that we’re about to witness some exciting changes. 

United Airlines seems keen to get itself on the cutting edge of new technologies and has recently announced an investment with blended wing body (BWB) aircraft start-up JetZero. 

The aviation startup is working away on a new innovative design that reduces drag and produces lift across the entire wingspan.

This means its planes could see a reduction of up to 50 percent in fuel burn per passenger mile compared to a similarly sized aircraft. 

Not only that, but the design also has the potential to make flying more comfortable for passengers, offering things like flexible seating options, larger seats, and wider aisles.

Meaning the potential aircraft could be a real game changer for travel.

The blended wing planes could completely change how we travel

The blended wing body planes could make a huge difference to how we travel.

“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,” Andrew Chang, head of United Airlines Ventures (UAV) said.

“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.”

Alongside the many benefits touted by JetZero and United Airlines, the new aircraft are also expected to integrate into current airport infrastructure, meaning there’s no need for new accommodations for jet bridges, runways, or taxiways. 

United Airlines’ investment includes a ‘pathway’ to purchase up to 100 planes for starters, with an option to get 100 more.

However, the agreement is conditional based on JetZero ‘achieving development milestones, including flight of a full-scale demonstrator in 2027, among other conditions, including that the aircraft meet United’s safety, business, and operating requirements’.

So, it looks like it could be a case of watch this space.

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