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, a startup developing blended wing body (BWB) aircraft, and has a conditional purchase agreement for up to 100 of these planes.
The BWB design, JetZero's Z4, is projected to reduce fuel burn and carbon emissions by up to 50% compared to traditional aircraft, while offering enhanced passenger comfort and fitting existing airport infrastructure.
This investment is part of United's commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with JetZero also partnering with Delta Air Lines, NASA, FAA, and the U.S. Air Force.

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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.