United Airlines Partners with JetZero to Revolutionize Aircraft Efficiency and Customer Experience
(IN SHORT) United Airlines has partnered with JetZero to invest in the development of the revolutionary Z4 blended wing body aircraft. This collaboration includes the potential to purchase up to 200 aircraft, contingent on JetZero achieving key milestones. The new aircraft design promises up to 50% greater fuel efficiency and a significantly enhanced passenger experience, including flexible seating and improved accessibility. This partnership aligns with United’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, contributing to the airline’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
(PRESS RELEASE) CHICAGO, 2025-Apr-25 — /Travel PR News/ — United Airlines has announced a significant investment in JetZero, a start-up pioneering the development of blended wing body (BWB) aircraft. This collaboration includes a path for United to purchase up to 100 BWB aircraft with an option for an additional 100, contingent upon JetZero meeting key development milestones, such as the flight of a full-scale demonstrator in 2027 and fulfilling United’s safety, business, and operational standards.
JetZero’s innovative Z4 design features a blended wing body that minimizes drag and maximizes lift, leading to an anticipated 50% reduction in fuel consumption per passenger mile compared to similarly sized conventional aircraft. This breakthrough technology holds the potential to lower United’s carbon emissions and reduce operational costs. JetZero’s Z4 is designed to carry 250 passengers and will run on conventional jet fuel with the capability to utilize sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blends.
In 2023, JetZero was awarded a $235 million contract by the U.S. Air Force to accelerate the development of its full-scale commercial demonstrator. The collaboration highlights the industry’s growing interest in revolutionary airframe technologies that promise significant efficiency gains and improved passenger experiences.
“We see immense potential in JetZero’s technology to reshape the future of aviation,” said Andrew Chang, Head of United Airlines Ventures (UAV). “This partnership aligns with United’s commitment to finding innovative companies that can help reduce our carbon footprint while offering enhanced customer experiences. If successful, JetZero could be a game-changer for both fuel efficiency and comfort across our fleet.”
Tom O’Leary, CEO and Co-Founder of JetZero, emphasized the importance of this investment: “United’s backing underscores the aviation industry’s recognition of the need for innovative solutions to meet the rising demand for air travel. JetZero’s airframe technology addresses critical barriers to efficiency, and it is the only program in development that offers both operational efficiency and an elevated customer experience.”
The JetZero Z4 design not only promises to revolutionize fuel efficiency but also aims to enhance the passenger experience with flexible seating arrangements, larger seats in all classes, and dedicated overhead bin space. The aircraft’s innovative design features a wider main boarding door and multiple aisles, improving the boarding process and passenger flow. The design is also expected to provide better accessibility, with wider aisles and handicap-accessible lavatories.
JetZero’s contract with the U.S. Air Force will advance the airframe’s capabilities and showcase its potential across both military and commercial sectors. The technology is expected to support military aircraft configurations, including air transport and refueling tanker variants, which account for around 60% of the Air Force’s total jet fuel consumption.
United’s investment in JetZero is part of the airline’s broader sustainability efforts, led by United Airlines Ventures, the airline’s corporate venture capital fund. UAV invests in emerging technologies that aim to transform travel, reduce environmental impact, and help United achieve its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. UAV has previously invested in hybrid-electric, hydrogen-powered, and electric air taxi (eVTOL) technologies.
UAV has made a number of alternative aircraft investments including:
Media contact:
media.relations@united.com
SOURCE United Airlines
