United Invests in next-gen blended wing aircraft start-up

The investment includes a potential 100 airplanes and an option for an additional 100.

The conditional purchase agreement is based on JetZero achieving development milestones, including flight of a full-scale demonstrator in 2027.

It is also contingent on the aircraft meeting United’s safety, business and operating requirements.

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 plane 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,” said Andrew Chang, head of United Airlines Ventures (UAV).

“United’s investment 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,” said Tom O’Leary, CEO and co-founder of JetZero.

Both the airplane’s design contributes to a more efficient operation due to its shape and the higher altitude at which it will fly, the company says.

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

Additionally, the design can streamline 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.