United backs JetZero with conditional deal for 100 aircraft
April 25, 2025
United Airlines has become the latest major carrier to bet on radical aircraft innovation, announcing a new investment in JetZero, a California-based aerospace start-up developing a blended wing body (BWB) aircraft that could cut fuel burn by up to 50 percent per passenger mile.
The agreement includes a conditional purchase deal for up to 100 aircraft, with an option for another 100, contingent on JetZero meeting key development milestones.
These include the successful flight of a full-scale demonstrator by 2027.
JetZero’s aircraft stands apart from conventional tube-and-wing designs by generating lift across its entire structure, resulting in significantly reduced aerodynamic drag. The company’s flagship model, the Z4, is expected to carry 250 passengers using conventional jet fuel, while also being compatible with sustainable aviation fuel blends.
The investment is the latest move by United Airlines Ventures (UAV), the airline’s venture capital arm, to support next-generation aerospace technology that aligns with its decarbonisation goals.
“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,” said Andrew Chang, head of UAV.
“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.”
The Z4’s design aims to address both environmental and operational inefficiencies. According to JetZero, the aircraft would consume up to 45 percent less fuel on routes like New York/Newark to Palma de Mallorca compared to current twin-aisle aircraft. Despite its unconventional silhouette, it is also expected to integrate seamlessly into existing airport infrastructure, avoiding the need for new facilities or modifications to gates, taxiways, or runways.
“United’s investment in our company signals the industry’s belief that new, innovative technology is needed in order to achieve the efficiency and cost savings that will be required to meet the continued growth in demand for air travel across the globe,” said Tom O’Leary, CEO and co-founder of JetZero. “JetZero is focused on one key technology – the airframe – that enables us to address all of the barriers to growth. This program is the only one in development today that promises efficiency and an elevated customer experience.”
JetZero’s partnership with the U.S. Air Force further reinforces its credentials. In 2023, the service awarded the company a $235 million contract to accelerate development of the full-scale Z4 demonstrator. The military is exploring multiple BWB use cases, including airlift and refueling tankers – applications that currently make up around 60 percent of its annual jet fuel consumption.
