Innovation & Technology

Delta, JetZero Advancing 50% More Fuel-Efficient Aircraft

Inspired by the manta ray, JetZero’s blended-wing-body design is poised to change the shape of air travel.

Published 3 weeks ago | About a 3 minute read

Image: JetZero

Delta Air Lines has partnered with aviation startup JetZero on a more sustainable aircraft that looks and feels like nothing flying today’s commercial skies.

Delta says JetZero’s vastly more fuel-efficient, blended-wing-body (BWB) design is one facet of its ongoing journey to advance industry innovation, reduce cost through increased fuel savings, elevate the customer experience and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Delta’s formal partnership with JetZero comes after the startup received a $235M grant from the US Air Force in 2023 to help facilitate building a full-scale demonstrator for first flight in 2027. Delta’s operational expertise will play a crucial role in development.

“Working with JetZero to realize an entirely new airframe and experience for customers and employees is bold and important work to advance the airline industry’s fuel saving initiatives and innovation goals,” said Amelia DeLuca, Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “While Delta is focused on doing what we can today to address our carbon footprint, it’s critical we also work with a variety of partners to advance revolutionary technologies, like JetZero’s blended-wing-body aircraft, to solve for a significant portion of future aviation emissions.”

The partnership with JetZero — the newest member of Delta’s Sustainable Skies Lab — marks Delta’s fourth “revolutionary fleet” partnership outlined in its Sustainability Roadmap, launched in 2023, by which it aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

“JetZero is working to change the world by bringing to market an aircraft that aims to fly this decade and make immediate and marked progress toward reducing airline energy costs, and the associated emissions,” said JetZero cofounder and CEO Tom O’Leary. “The ability to realize such significant efficiency gains in the near future meaningfully impacts the industry’s commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and will serve as the foundation on which other technologies and efficiencies can be realized. Delta was one of the first carriers to partner with us, supporting us behind the scenes since 2023, and we look forward to their continued support of our program through their deep knowledge and expertise.”

The evolution of the blended wing body

The BWB’s biomimetic design, inspired by the manta ray, is among a growing group of nature-derived innovations that are helping to optimize aircraft design for sustainability and efficiency. First tested and demonstrated in the 1990s by NASA and Stanford University, BWB aircraft could achieve a 50 percent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions compared to current commercial jets — thanks to its markedly lighter weight, which creates less drag.

Other anticipated traveler and sustainability benefits include:

Capacity to carry more than 250 customers — similar to existing, widebody aircraft — to provide the capacity and range needed to meet growing travel demand.
Less noise — with engines mounted on top of the aircraft, BWB aircraft are expected to be significantly quieter than existing aircraft.
The potential to fit into existing airport infrastructure and offer faster turn-around times.
The ability to utilize sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to further decrease lifecycle carbon emissions.

Delta will also help design a new interior experience for the BWB’s uniquely shaped frame to ensure a best-in-class customer and employee experience. Anticipated changes include dedicated overhead bin space for each passenger, accessible seats and lavatories, and fewer rows.

Delta says the US Air Force’s grant — coupled with support from partners including Northrop Grumman and Scaled Composites, and ongoing coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration — further validates for major aviation stakeholders that the BWB design is a sustainable solution within reach.