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Alaska Airlines invests in JetZero's low-emission blended wing body aircraft

Alaska Airlines invests in JetZero's low-emission blended wing body aircraft
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JetZero has received significant support from Alaska Airlines in its efforts to develop a low-emissions blended wing body (BWB) aircraft. Alaska Star Ventures, the airline's corporate venture capital arm, invested in JetZero during a Series A funding round last year and secured options for future aircraft orders with the Long Beach, California-based company. Financial details of the investment were not disclosed.

JetZero's BWB design integrates wings and fuselage into a single smooth shape, which the company claims will offer up to 50% better fuel efficiency compared to current mid-market airliners, resulting in 50% lower emissions.

Alaska Airlines is increasingly committed to JetZero’s vision as part of its goal to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2040. "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 at 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."

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BWB aircraft concepts have been explored for decades by various organizations including NASA, Airbus, KLM, and Delft University of Technology. The endorsement from a major US airline like Alaska could potentially influence other airlines to consider similar investments.

"We’re thrilled to welcome Alaska to our team of innovators," said JetZero co-founder and CEO Tom O’Leary. "Our belief is that this aircraft will reshape aviation."

Since late 2021, JetZero has collaborated with London-based design firm Factorydesign on the new BWB cabin interior design. Initial renderings released last year depict a spacious interior inspired by nature and featuring bionic principles.

Dr. Joe Leader, CEO of Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), announced that the new JetZero aircraft experience will be unveiled on October 27th before the APEX Global EXPO in Long Beach opens its doors. This unveiling aims to showcase the transformative potential of BWB design in air travel.

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