Delta, JetZero Partnering to Develop Blended-Wing Commercial Aircraft

Collaboration comes as the carrier continues to focus on its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Kimberly Johnson

Thursday, March 06, 2025 at 01:16 PM ET

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Kimberly Johnson

Aircraft rendering [Courtesy: JetZero]

Key Takeaways:

Delta Air Lines is partnering with JetZero to develop a commercial blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft as part of its goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The BWB aircraft is projected to be 50 percent more fuel-efficient than current generation midrange aircraft due to its lighter design, reduced drag, and increased lifting surface.
Backed by a $235 million U.S. Air Force award, the project aims for a full-scale demonstrator aircraft to take its first flight in 2027, with Delta providing crucial operational expertise.

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Delta Air Lines and JetZero are partnering to develop a commercial blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft that would be 50 percent more fuel efficient than those in current operation, the carrier has announced.

The development, which builds upon a Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) investment in the BWB technology, comes as Delta continues to focus on its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.