JetZero secures $175m to push blended-wing demonstrator toward 2027 flight
January 14, 2026
JetZero plans to accelerate development of its blended wing body (BWB) commercial aircraft after securing approximately $175 million in new financing, giving the US start-up the resources to push its unconventional airliner concept through full-scale testing and toward flight.
The Series B funding round, led by global investment firm B Capital and backed by a mix of airline, aerospace and industrial investors, will be channelled into advancing the Z4 programme and its associated full-size demonstrator, which JetZero plans to fly in 2027.
Fresh capital accelerates JetZero’s all-wing aircraft programme
The California-based startup said the injection of capital will help it shift from validating the concept to execution for an aircraft it claims could significantly outperform today’s tube-and-wing designs on fuel efficiency and emissions.
The blended-wing body Z4 aircraft is hailed for its game-changing design. By blending the wings and the fuselage, drag is reduced and lift increased.
JetZero’s demonstrator will provide real-world data to support its claim of at least a 30% aerodynamic improvement over traditional aircraft designs.
The shape draws on decades of blended-wing-body research conducted by industry and government, but aims to be the first to transition the concept into commercial airline service.
According to JetZero, the demonstrator programme will also be used to mature manufacturing methods, certification and supply-chain readiness.
The aircraft is being developed in coordination with US government agencies, including the US Air Force, NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration.
“The strength and diversity of our investor base reflects the momentum behind JetZero and the industry’s readiness to reshape the future of aviation,” said Tom O’Leary, JetZero co-founder and CEO.
“This round brings together key strategic partners across the value chain from demand to supply to implementation, including United Airlines Ventures and RTX Ventures, as well as longtime supporters of JetZero from our Series A financing and a new, lead investor in B Capital, focused on innovative, resilient technology.
“Together, we are delivering an efficient aircraft that elevates the passenger experience, drives American leadership in advanced manufacturing and exports, and strengthens the aviation supply chain.”
United and RTX join broad coalition backing JetZero aircraft
United Airlines Ventures, Northrop Grumman, 3M Ventures and RTX Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of RTX, are among the investors.
United Airlines Ventures’ involvement puts JetZero among a small group of early-stage aircraft developers to secure backing from a major airline.
Last year, United announced an order for up to 100 of the aircraft and an option for an additional 100.
The conditional purchase agreement is 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.
While no firm aircraft order has been announced, the airline has consistently argued that transformational airframe efficiency will be required if aviation is to meet long-term emissions targets.
RTX Ventures’ participation further strengthens JetZero’s ties to the established aerospace supply base, while Northrop Grumman brings experience from military flying-wing programmes. Materials and manufacturing expertise is also represented through 3M Ventures’ involvement.
Featured image: JetZero
