United invests in new generation ‘all-wing’ aircraft designer 

United Airlines has signalled a potential order for up to 200 revolutionary designed delta wing aircraft by investing in manufacturing start-up JetZero.

 

The California-based company aims to build the world’s first commercial ‘all-wing’ aircraft by 2030, with up to 50% lower fuel burn compared to existing commercial airliners.

 

The 250-passenger Z4 aircraft would have a range of 5,000 nautical miles, using conventional engines able to utilise sustainable aviation fuel blends to reduce its carbon footprint. 

 

For example, a transatlantic flight from New York/Newark to Palma in Majorca would use up to 45% less fuel compared to the twin-aisle aircraft that operate that route today.

 

The design contributes to a more efficient operation due to its shape and the higher altitude at which it will fly.

 

The aircraft design has the potential to also offer improvements for passengers, such as flexible seating options, larger seats across all classes and dedicated overhead bin space for each seat. 

 

Additionally, the design streamlines the boarding process with a main boarding door that is wider than that of a comparably sized aircraft, leading to multiple aisles and passenger cabin bays for more efficient passenger distribution. 

 

It may further enhance accessibility by featuring wider aisles and handicap-accessible lavatories.

 

United’s undisclosed investment includes a path to order up to 100 aircraft and an option for an additional 100. 

 

The conditional purchase agreement is based on JetZero achieving development milestones, including a full-scale demonstrator flight in 2027, and that the aircraft meet United’s safety, business and operating requirements. 

 

JetZero’s innovative design aims to 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. 

 

The US Air Force announced a $235 million contract with JetZero in 2023 to fast-track the development of a full scale demonstrator. 

 

Andrew Chang, head of the airline’s corporate venture capital fund United Airlines Ventures, said: "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.”

 

"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."  

 

JetZero co-founder and chief executive Tom O’Leary said: “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. 

 

"JetZero is focused on one key technology - the airframe - that enables us to address all of the barriers to growth. This programme is the only one in development today that promises efficiency and an elevated customer experience."