Alaska Airlines announced an investment in JetZero, a company developing a new blended-wing body (BWB) aircraft that will provide up to 50% less fuel burn and lower emissions. This investment reflects Alaska’s commitment to advancing new technology that will benefit the future of aviation, including those that enable the airlines’ path to net zero carbon emissions. Alaska invested as part of JetZero’s Series A last year and it is the first airline to do so.
This investment, which includes options for future aircraft orders, was made via Alaska Star Ventures (ASV), the airline’s investment arm whose purpose is to influence the future of the aviation industry. And ASV is focused on identifying and enabling the technologies that could help Alaska reach its ambitious goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2040. This goal is one piece of Alaska’s sustainability strategy, operational efficiency, fleet renewal, sustainable aviation fuel, waste reduction, and electrified aircraft.
JetZero’s BWB aircraft stands out with an innovative design that integrates the wings and fuselage into a single smooth shape, greatly reducing aerodynamic drag. Due to an expected 50% fuel reduction compared to the current tube-and-wing design, the BWB will potentially lower carbon emissions and operating costs.
The aircraft’s spacious interior will enable innovative seating arrangements, which will benefit passenger comfort, such as a quieter and more enjoyable flying experience. Its unique shape will significantly reduce weight and drag and offer great promise in contributing to a more sustainable future in aviation.
KEY QUOTES:
“At Alaska, we are always looking for ways to innovate and shape the future of air travel for our guests, employees, and industry. 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.”
- Diana Birkett Rakow, senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines
“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. We’re thrilled to welcome Alaska to our team of innovators, and our belief that this aircraft will reshape aviation.”
- Tom O’Leary, CEO and co-founder, JetZero
