Tuesday, August 13, 2024 Alaska Airlines invests in JetZero’s revolutionary blended-wing aircraft, aiming to slash fuel consumption and emissions while advancing sustainable aviation. Alaska Airlines has announced a strategic investment in JetZero, a groundbreaking company developing a blended-wing body (BWB) aircraft designed to reduce fuel consumption by up to 50% and lower emissions. This investment underscores Alaska’s dedication to advancing innovative technologies that will shape the future of aviation, supporting the airline’s journey toward achieving net zero carbon emissions.
Alaska was the first airline to invest in JetZero during its Series A funding last year. This investment, which also includes options for future aircraft orders, was made through Alaska Star Ventures (ASV), the airline’s investment arm focused on driving the future of the aviation industry. ASV’s mission is to identify and support technologies that will help Alaska meet its ambitious target of net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
This initiative is a key component of Alaska’s broader sustainability strategy, which also includes operational efficiency, fleet renewal, sustainable aviation fuel, waste reduction, and electrified aircraft. “At Alaska, we are always looking for ways to innovate and shape the future of air travel for our guests, employees, and industry,” said Diana Birkett Rakow , senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines. “We are proud to invest in JetZero’s development of this innovative next-generation aircraft, with a significant step-change in fuel efficiency.
We and JetZero share a vision for more sustainable aviation, and we are excited to partner with them in creating that future.” JetZero’s BWB aircraft features a cutting-edge design that seamlessly merges the wings and fuselage into a single, smooth structure, significantly reducing aerodynamic drag. This innovative design is projected to cut fuel consumption by 50% compared to the traditional tube-and-wing configuration, leading to lower carbon emissions and reduced operating costs.
The aircraft’s spacious interior allows for creative seating configurations, enhancing passenger comfort with a quieter and more pleasant flying experience. The unique shape of the BWB also minimizes weight and drag, positioning it as a promising solution for a more sustainable future in aviation. “The biggest challenge for airlines is lowering fuel burn and emissions.
Of all the great new technologies in work, the BWB design delivers the biggest impact by far. Airlines will see immediate benefit in cost savings, dramatically lower emissions and improved customer experience, compared to airplanes flying today,” said Tom O’Leary , CEO and co-founder, JetZero. “We’re thrilled to welcome Alaska to our team of innovators, and our belief that this aircraft will reshape aviation.
” Although the BWB design has been around for some time, JetZero has demonstrated exceptional leadership by working closely with the United States Air Force, NASA, and the FAA to develop and bring its groundbreaking blended wing aircraft to market..
