United Invests in JetZero, Could Acquire 200 Blended Wing Body Aircraft

Airline believes JetZero’s Z4 could reduce fuel burn by as much as 50 percent per passenger mile versus comparably sized tube-and-wing designs.

Jack Daleo

Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 11:42 AM ET

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Jack Daleo

United’s investment in JetZero includes a ‘path’ to acquire as many as 200 blended wing body Z4 aircraft. [Courtesy: United Airlines]

Key Takeaways:

United Airlines Ventures is investing in JetZero and has a conditional agreement to potentially order up to 100 of its blended wing body (BWB) aircraft.
This strategic investment aims to reduce fuel burn by up to 50% per passenger mile, lower operational costs, enhance passenger comfort, and advance United's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

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United Airlines is looking to add a sleek new airframe to its fleet.

The airline on Thursday announced that its investment arm, United Airlines Ventures, is directing an undisclosed amount of funding to JetZero—a startup developing a blended wing body (BWB) design. The company said its conditional purchase agreement with JetZero “includes a path” to order up to 100 BWB aircraft, with the option to double its order if JetZero satisfies certain performance milestones, such as the flight of a full-scale demonstrator in 2027. It will also need to meet United criteria for safety, business, and operations.