Alaska Airlines has announced 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 airline’s path to net zero carbon emissions.
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, 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,” said Tom O’Leary, CEO and co-founder, JetZero. “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. We’re thrilled to welcome Alaska to our team of innovators, and our belief that this aircraft will reshape aviation.”
Hear more from Alaska Airlines at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” – taking place in Los Angeles on 28-30 October 2024. Natalie Bowman, Managing Director, Product & Digital Experience, Alaska Airlines, is speaking in the ‘FTE AI Symposium’ with a case study titled ‘How will Alaska Airlines use AI to increase productivity, transform customer experiences, streamline operations, remove manual toll and drive revenues, and what can it learn from those efforts?’
Kristin Olsen, Director of Product Management, Travel Experience Guest Digital Technology, Alaska Airlines, is joining the ‘Digital Identity & Biometrics Symposium – building compelling business cases for a global industry roll-out’.
Meanwhile, Amanda Matlock, Principal Product Manager for Accessibility, Alaska Airlines, is participating in the ‘FTE Accessibility Symposium’.
Register for FTE Global 2024 >>Exclusive for FTE Hub Corporate Partners: Visit to JetZero HQ in Long Beach, California
We are excited to offer an exclusive opportunity for FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub Corporate Partners: a private tour of JetZero’s Hangar at Long Beach Airport on Sunday, 27 October 2024, the day before FTE Global and APEX Global EXPO begin. JetZero, the pioneering aerospace startup based in Long Beach, is at the forefront of transforming the future of air travel. Their innovative blended-wing body aircraft promises to reduce fuel consumption by up to 50% compared to traditional tube-and-wing aircraft. This cutting-edge design utilises existing next-generation single-aisle aircraft engines and is capable of flying as far as trans-oceanic routes. With a recent significant investment from Alaska Airlines – the first direct airline backing for the company – JetZero is making waves in the industry. This exclusive event will give members a first-hand look at JetZero’s revolutionary aircraft and the innovations set to redefine passenger experience. During the tour, visitors will explore key stations focused on: Passenger Experience, Efficiency, Environment and Technology.
Learn more about the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub >> Register for FTE Global 2024 >>
