Quantcast

Kuehne+Nagel partners with Natilus to explore blended wing freighter possibilities

American Airlines Launches Ultra‑Long‑Haul DFW–Manila Flights
Thousands of flights canceled or delayed across America's busiest airports
Emirates operates with SAF at London Heathrow Airport
British Airways Introduces Brunch Service on Long-Haul Flights
AirAsia FREE SEATS is BACK! - Book Cheap Flight now!
FAA Investigating After JetBlue Plane Skids Off Runway
Virgin Atlantic Offers Family-Friendly Holiday Packages
The Billion-Dollar Outlier That's Rescuing San Francisco Tourism
New Heathrow Security Rule Makes Packing Bags Easier for Travelers
Alaska Airlines Adding More Boeing 787 to Boost Seattle Hub
Ryanair cancels 170 flights, disrupts over 30,000 passengers on French ATC strike
What to Know About Travel to Europe During This Record-Breaking Heatwave
Airport Workers Save the Day After Woman Loses Diamond from Her Engagement Ring in Baggage Carousel
I never talk to strangers on the plane. After my dad died, a passenger helped me talk about my grief.
American Airlines reveals new summer route: Miami → Rome
Budget UK airline launches huge sale with £29 flights to 475 holiday hotspots – but you’ll have to be quick
Delta Passengers Can Book a ‘Last Mile’ Private Jet Charter to Europe This Summer
Honeywell Runway Safety Technology Selected by Southwest Airlines for Fleetwide Installation
Southwest Airlines Adds Cockpit Alerts to Boost Runway Safety
FAA Drone Detection Testing
This Airline Is Going to Start Handing Out $675 Fines to 'Unruly' Passengers: 'It Is Unacceptable'
Summer of savings? New analysis shows airfare has dropped significantly - The Points Guy
FAA Admits Uncertainty On Drone Numbers In U.S. Airspace, Raising Safety Concerns
Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
Passenger tries opening plane door mid-flight, gets zip-tied by veterans
Passenger Stows Away on Delta Flight from New York to Paris
Air India Eyes 10 New Codeshare , Plans Global Expansion
Kuehne+Nagel partners with Natilus to explore blended wing freighter possibilities
Policy
Webp messenger creation 9bc7019d c083 4a19 b966 8aeb90173715
Stefan Paul CEO of Kuehne + Nagel | Kuehne + Nagel Website

Kuehne+Nagel, a leading logistics company, has entered into a partnership with Natilus, an American startup developing blended-wing body (BWB) aircraft. The collaboration aims to explore the potential of integrating BWB aircraft into air cargo operations.

While no specific orders have been disclosed, Natilus has previously reported securing over 460 orders for its Kona model. This autonomous cargo aircraft can carry a payload of up to 3.8 tons (3.4 tonnes).

Kuehne+Nagel announced this strategic partnership on May 28. The Swiss-based logistics firm operates an air cargo subsidiary with a Boeing 747-8F, the last of its kind delivered in January 2023. The company plans to study the environmental, economic, and operational impacts of incorporating Natilus' BWB aircraft into commercial freight operations.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

“Leveraging its knowledge of the air logistics industry, Kuehne+Nagel will collaborate with Natilus to explore the operational feasibility of implementing its aircraft within the industry," stated Kuehne+Nagel.

Natilus claims it is pioneering the commercialization of BWB designs, aiming for a 30% reduction in fuel consumption and a 40% increase in payload capacity without providing comparison baselines.

"Together, the companies will assess how blended-wing-body aircraft will operate within existing fleets," said Kuehne+Nagel.

Holger Ketz from Kuehne+Nagel emphasized their commitment to sustainable air freight solutions through new technologies. Aleksey Matyushev, CEO of Natilus, remarked that this partnership is significant for understanding BWB advantages in logistics.

Natilus is also eyeing competition with major manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing with its Horizon model expected in service by early 2030s.

In addition to announcing partnerships like one with Palantir earlier this year, Natilus is searching for manufacturing sites for both its Kona freighter and Horizon passenger aircraft. Establishing facilities in the U.S. could mitigate trade restrictions and supply chain issues as new tariffs are anticipated.

The Canadian airline Nolinor has reserved production slots for Kona models while Ameriflight's order contributes to more than $6.8 billion worth backlog commitments for Natilus.

Natilus' U.S.-based facility would produce 60 Konas annually and employ over 300 people at a site spanning approximately 250,000 square feet (232,225 square meters). A second site may open internationally or domestically to support Horizon production within similar market segments as Airbus A320neo and Boeing's 737 MAX families.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Air New Zealand has introduced a new Regional Event Sponsorship programme to support and expand emerging events in the 20 regions it serves.

Jul 29, 2025

Flying Food Group announced on LinkedIn that it recognized its culinary team in celebration of National Culinarians Day.

Jul 28, 2025

Google Flights continues to expand its offerings, according to a recent discussion between The Points Guy and James Byers, group product manager for travel at Google.

Jul 28, 2025

Delta Air Lines has released a statement following the announcement of a new trade agreement between the United States and the European Union.

Jul 28, 2025

Run The Runway took place at Chicago Executive Airport on July 26, 2025.

Jul 28, 2025

Emirates has introduced its new Airbus A350 aircraft to Bologna’s Guglielmo Marconi Airport, marking the first time this model is operated in Italy and making Bologna one of the first ten cities worldwide to receive it.

Jul 28, 2025