DALLAS — Alaska Airlines (AS) has taken a significant step toward a sustainable future of aviation by investing in JetZero, a pioneering company developing a new Blended Wing Body (BWB) aircraft.
The California-based company is developing an aircraft design that promises up to 50% lower fuel consumption and lower emissions. This investment underscores the airline’s commitment to advancing technologies that align with its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
The investment, made through Alaska Star Ventures (ASV), the airline’s venture capital arm, includes financial backing and an option for future aircraft orders. Alaska Airlines showed early interest in JetZero and was the first airline to invest in its Series A funding round last year.
“At Alaska, we are always looking for ways to innovate and shape the future of air travel for our guests, employees and the industry. We are proud to invest in JetZero’s development of this innovative next-generation aircraft, which brings a significant advancement in fuel efficiency. We and JetZero share a vision for more sustainable aviation and are excited to work with them to shape that future.” Diana Birkett Rakow, senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines.
This initiative, along with operational efficiency, fleet renewal, sustainable aviation fuel, waste reduction and electric aircraft, is part of Alaska’s comprehensive sustainability strategy.
Unlike the traditional “tube and wing” design, JetZero’s Blended Wing Body (BWB) aircraft integrate the wings and fuselage into a single, smooth shape, significantly reducing drag. With a potential 50% reduction in fuel consumption, the BWB is expected to reduce carbon emissions and operating costs. In addition, the spacious interior of the BWB aircraft promises improved passenger comfort, providing a quieter and more enjoyable flight experience.
“The biggest challenge facing airlines is reducing fuel burn and emissions. Of all the great new technologies being worked on, the BWB design has by far the greatest impact. Airlines will see immediate benefits in the form of cost savings, dramatically reduced emissions and an improved customer experience compared to aircraft flying today. We are excited to welcome Alaska to our team of innovators and are confident this aircraft will transform aviation,” said Tom O’Leary, CEO and co-founder of JetZero.
JetZero worked closely with the United States Air Force, NASA and the FAA to develop and ultimately bring to market its revolutionary blended-wing aircraft.
The BWB design is well known, with roots dating back to the 1920s. However, recently the focus on sustainable aviation has revived interest in this design. Airbus, for example, is currently developing its BWB aircraft under the ZEROe program, with a focus on hydrogen-powered flight.
In contrast, JetZero plans to launch its aircraft using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030 and have the internal capacity to eventually include carbon-free hydrogen.
