Delta partners with JetZero on blended wing body
March 6, 2025
Delta Air Lines has become the latest partner to collaborate on JetZero’s blended wing body (BWB) airliner, which aims to build a full-scale demonstrator for a first flight in 2027 ahead of an entry into commercial service by 2030.
“Working with JetZero to realise an entirely new airframe and experience… is bold and important work to advance the airline industry’s fuel saving initiatives and innovation goals,” explained Amelia DeLuca, Delta’s chief sustainability officer. Under the new partnership, JetZero has become the latest member of Deltas ‘Sustainable Skies Lab,’ an initiative launched by the US carrier in 2023 to help scale technologies to realise the industry’s commitment of net zero emissions by 2050.
The official partnership also marks the formalisation of a relationship initiated in 2021, which has seen Delta advise on “how best to commercialise the aircraft as part of the start-up’s grant application”. In 2023, JetZero received a grant from the US Air Force, which will also help facilitate building the full-scale demonstrator. JetZero co-founder and CEO Tom O’Leary commented that he “[looks] forward to [Delta’s] continued support of our programme through their deep knowledge and expertise”.
“JetZero’s vastly more fuel efficient BWB design is at the centre of the collaboration and is one facet of Delta’s ongoing journey to advance industry innovation, drive down cost through increased fuel savings [and] elevate the customer experience,” explained the airline.
The JetZero BWB is up to 50% more fuel efficient than conventional tube-and-wing airframes due to its novel design. With 250 seats (similar to existing widebody aircraft) and a projected range of 5,000nm, Delta is also “exploring and advising on” the new design’s potential to integrate into existing airport infrastructure.
Alongside offering operational expertise, Delta is also to consult on the interior design; noting that “the uniquely shaped airframe… offers endless possibilities”.
