United announced an investment in a startup that designs fuel-efficient jets.
United Airlines Ventures, the airline’s corporate venture capital fund, invested in JetZero, a blended wing body (BWB) aircraft startup that is creating an aircraft design that has the potential to deliver jet fuel efficiency.
The investment includes the potential to order up to 100 airplanes and an option for an additional 100 planes. The conditional purchase agreement is based on JetZero achieving development milestones, including flight of a full-scale demonstrator in 2027.
JetZero’s design reduces drag and produces lift across the entire wingspan, which could lead to as much as 50% reduction in fuel burn per passenger mile compared to a similar sized aircraft. The technology could potentially help United lower its carbon emissions while reducing the cost of operations.
In 2023, the U.S. Air Force announced a $235 million contract to JetZero to fast-track the development of JetZero’s full scale demonstrator. The JetZero Z4 airplane is designed to accommodate 250 passengers and fly on conventional jet fuel with propulsion systems able to utilize sustainable aviation fuel blends.
“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 United Airlines Ventures (UAV), in a statement. “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 design contributes to a more efficient operation due to its shape and the higher altitude at which it will fly. For instance, a flight from New York/Newark to Palma de Mallorca, Spain would use up to 45% less fuel compared to the twin-aisle aircraft that operate that route currently.
UAV has made a number of alternative aircraft investments including hybrid-electric, hydrogen-powered and electric air taxis (eVTOLs).