JetZero, Delta partner to design the future of air travel by advancing first-of-its-kind, 50% more fuel-efficient aircraft for domestic and international routes

JetZero partners Delta Air Lines on a revolutionary, more sustainable aircraft. JetZero fuel efficient blended-wing-body design is at the center of the collaboration and is one facet of Delta's ongoing journey to advance industry innovation, drive down cost through increased fuel-savings, elevate the customer experience and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

On the heels of the airline celebrating 100 years of flight, the partnership underscores Delta's commitment to shape what the future of flight looks like for centuries to come. Delta's formal partnership with JetZero comes after the start-up received a grant from the U.S. Air Force in 2023 to help facilitate building a full-scale demonstrator for first flight in 2027. Delta will play a crucial role in the development by providing the operational expertise to help make this technology viable.

Tom O'Leary, JetZero cofounder and CEO stated: "JetZero is working to change the world by bringing to market an aircraft that aims to fly this decade and make immediate and marked progress toward reducing airline energy costs, and the associated emissions. The ability to realize such significant efficiency gains in the near future meaningfully impacts the industry's commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and will serve as the foundation on which other technologies and efficiencies can be realized. Delta was one of the first carriers to partner with us, supporting us behind the scenes since 2023, and we look forward to their continued support of our program through their deep knowledge and expertise."

Amelia DeLuca, Delta's Chief Sustainability Officer commented: "Working with JetZero to realize an entirely new airframe and experience for customers and employees is bold and important work to advance the airline industry's fuel saving initiatives and innovation goals. While Delta is focused on doing what we can today to address our carbon footprint, it's critical we also work with a variety of partners to advance revolutionary technologies, like JetZero's blended-wing-body aircraft, to solve for a significant portion of future aviation emissions."

As the newest member of Delta's Sustainable Skies Lab, JetZero has the direct support of the global carrier's world-class talent and access to its industry-leading operations. That includes the right maintenance and operational footprints to prove out and accelerate the commercialization of the BWB airframe technology – which is expected to be up to 50% more fuel efficient than the tube-and-wing designs1 customers experience today. The partnership with JetZero marks Delta's fourth "revolutionary fleet" partnership outlined in its Sustainability Roadmap launched in 2023: a groundbreaking, transparent roadmap by which Delta aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Delta will also help design an interior experience of the future to ensure a best-in-class customer and employee experience. The uniquely shaped airframe, that differs from today's tube-and-wing shape, offers endless possibilities. Customers can expect cabin changes that enhance their experience, including dedicated overhead bin space for each passenger, accessible seats and lavatories, and fewer rows.