In a game-changing move for the aviation industry, JetZero has partnered with Delta Airlines to develop the world’s first commercial Blended Wing Body (BWB) airplane. This groundbreaking aircraft is set to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by almost 50% compared to traditional commercial airliners.
If successful, the aircraft will help the industry move closer to its ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The partnership builds on years of research into blended wing technology. In 2023 JetZero took a significant step forward to realise its concept aircraft with a U.S. Air Force grant.
Together with the USAF, the company is creating a full-scale demonstrator for its first flight, set for 2027. With Delta’s support now, the BWB is on track to enter commercial service by 2030, offering a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to today’s tube-and-wing designs.
Flying Towards Sustainability
Delta Airlines’ collaboration with JetZero will help fuel the company’s ambitions towards net-zero emissions by 2050. The airliner has shown its commitment to sustainable aviation. As such, its expertise in operations, maintenance, and customer experience will help refine the BWB’s design and accelerate its commercial viability.
What makes the BWB Aircraft different compared to traditional models is that it delivers better fuel efficiency. The design’s aerodynamics reduces drag and increases lifting surface area. This ensures better weight distribution, making it lighter and more fuel-efficient.
With room for over 250 passengers, the BWB offers similar capacity to current widebody aircraft, making it ideal for high-demand routes. Additionally, with engines placed on top of the aircraft, the BWB is significantly quieter. JetZero expects the aircraft design to work well with existing airport infrastructure, allowing for faster turnarounds and improved operational efficiency.
The BWB aircraft’s unique shape will allow for an enhanced flying experience, with improvements like dedicated overhead bin space, more accessible seats and lavatories, and fewer rows for added comfort. These innovations aim to provide a best-in-class experience for both customers and employees.
In addition to its fuel-saving benefits, the BWB aircraft will be compatible with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), further reducing its carbon footprint. JetZero’s commitment to green aviation aligns with Delta’s broader goals to reduce its environmental impact, having already implemented operational changes that saved over 40 million gallons of fuel in 2024 alone.
