United Airlines Invests in Blended Wing Aircraft Startup JetZero
- Joe Breitfeller
- Apr 24
- 2 min read
United Airlines has today announced that they have invested in the next generation blended wing body (BWB) aircraft startup JetZero, paving the way for the purchase of up to 200 airplanes.
On Thursday (April 24, 2025), United Airlines announced that they have invested in the next generation blended wing body (BWB) startup JetZero, paving the way for the acquisition of up to 200 JetZero Z4 BWB aircraft. This includes a path to order up to 100 aircraft, plus 100 options. JetZero has been awarded a $235 million contract by the USAF to fast-track the development of their commercial demonstrator, with the first flight expected in 2027. The ‘all wing’ Z4 aircraft is being designed to enhance the customer experience, while improving fuel efficiency by up to 50 percent. United’s conditional purchase agreement is based on JetZero achieving certain development benchmarks, including that the aircraft meets United’s safety, business and operating requirements.
In Thursday’s announcement, United Airlines Ventures’ Head, Andrew Chang, said,
“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 across our network. United Airlines Ventures® was created to support our efforts to find innovative companies that can enhance the customer travel experience and help the airline lower its carbon footprint, and we believe JetZero reflects that philosophy.”
Also commenting on United’s investment, JetZero’s Co-Founder and CEO, Tom O’Leary, added,
“United’s investment in our company 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 across the globe. JetZero is focused on one key technology – the airframe – that enables us to address all of the barriers to growth. This program is the only one in development today that promises efficiency and an elevated customer experience.”
JetZero’s innovative BWB design reduces drag while producing lift across the entire wingspan, which could result in an up to 50 percent reduction in fuel burn per passenger mile compared to current, similar sized aircraft. This could help United reduce operational costs, while lowering GHG emissions. The JetZero Z4 is being designed to accommodate 250 passengers with a range of 5,000 nautical miles. The aircraft will fly on conventional jet fuel, with propulsion systems able to utilize SAF blends. The Z4’s design contributes to a more efficient operation due to its shape and the higher altitude at which it will fly. For example, a flight from New York-Newark to Mallorca in Spain would use 45 percent less fuel than the twin aisle aircraft operating the route today.
Additionally, the aircraft design has the potential to elevate the passenger experience with flexible seating options, larger seats across all classes, and dedicated overhead bin space for each seat. The design also streamlines the boarding process, with a main door that is larger than existing comparably sized aircraft, leading to multiple, wider aisles, and handicap-accessible lavatories.
Source: United Airlines
