JetZero's pioneering blended wing body
aircraft contributes to aviation's sustainability journey with
significant improvements in fuel efficiency
SEATTLE, Aug. 13,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines announced today
an investment in JetZero, a pioneering company developing a new
blended-wing body (BWB) aircraft that will provide up to 50% less
fuel burn and lower emissions. The investment reflects Alaska's commitment to advance 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 is the first airline to do so.
The investment, which includes options for future aircraft
orders, was made through Alaska Star Ventures (ASV), the airline's
investment arm whose purpose is to influence the future of the
aviation industry. ASV is focused on identifying and enabling the
technologies that can help Alaska
reach its ambitious goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2040. This
initiative is one piece of Alaska's comprehensive sustainability strategy
along with operational efficiency, fleet renewal, sustainable
aviation fuel, waste reduction, and electrified aircraft.
"At Alaska, we are always looking for ways to innovate and shape
the future of air travel for our guests, employees, and industry,"
said Diana Birkett Rakow, senior
vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska
Airlines. "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."
JetZero's BWB aircraft stands out with its 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 result in potential lower carbon emissions and operating
costs. The aircraft's spacious interior will enable innovative
seating arrangements with benefits to passenger comfort, such as a
quieter and more enjoyable flying experience. Its unique shape will
significantly reduce weight and drag and offers great promise in
contributing to a more sustainable future in aviation.
"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,"
said Tom O'Leary, CEO and
co-founder, JetZero. "We're thrilled to welcome Alaska to our team of innovators, and our
belief that this aircraft will reshape aviation."
While the BWB design is not new, JetZero has shown unique
leadership in collaborating closely with the United States Air
Force, NASA, and the FAA to develop its revolutionary blended wing
aircraft and ultimately bringing it to market.
About Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines and our regional
partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States, the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Costa
Rica, Guatemala and
Mexico. We offer our guests a
premium flying experience with award-winning customer service and
an industry-leading loyalty program, Mileage Plan. With our fellow
oneworld Alliance members and additional global partners,
our guests have more choices than ever to purchase, earn or redeem
on alaskaair.com across 30 airlines and more than 1,000 worldwide
destinations. Learn more about Alaska at news.alaskaair.com and follow
@alaskaairnews for news and stories. Alaska Airlines and Horizon
Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK). More
information on Alaska's
sustainability strategy is available at
alaskaair.com/content/about-us/esg.
About JetZero
JetZero, co-founded by aerospace legend
Mark Page, is developing the world's
first commercial blended wing body (BWB) airplane. With up to 50%
lower fuel burn and carbon emissions compared to existing
commercial airliners, JetZero's BWB offers the aviation industry a
clear path to achieving its 2050 net-zero goals. Working alongside
the US Air Force, NASA, and the FAA, and backed by decades of
investment and research into blended wing technology, JetZero looks
to enter commercial service by 2030.
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SOURCE ALASKA AIRLINES