Alaska Airlines has recently announced their investment in JetZero, a promising aircraft engineering startup with a vision to drastically reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption. JetZero’s unique blended-wing aircraft design has the potential to cut emissions by up to 50%, setting a new standard for sustainability in the aviation industry. This pioneering approach integrates wings with the fuselage, resulting in a more aerodynamic and efficient aircraft compared to traditional tube-and-wing designs. The extra width in the fuselage also allows for innovative cabin layouts, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
The investment in JetZero marks a significant milestone for Alaska Airlines, being the first airline to support the startup through their venture capital subsidiary, Alaska Star Ventures. While the exact amount of the investment has not been disclosed, the partnership includes options for future aircraft orders, indicating Alaska’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology in aircraft engineering. Diana Birkett Rakow, senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines, expressed their enthusiasm for shaping the future of air travel through innovative solutions like JetZero’s blended-wing design.
Founded in 2021 by Mark Page and Tom O’Leary, JetZero brings together expertise from NASA’s blended-wing design initiative and electric air taxi startup Beta Technologies. With a target launch year of 2030 for their aircraft, JetZero has already made strides in their development, supported by a $235 million grant from the Defense Department. The first flight of JetZero’s full-scale demonstrator is anticipated in the first quarter of 2027, showcasing the rapid progress of this groundbreaking project.
Alaska Star Ventures, established in 2021, is dedicated to advancing Alaska Airlines’ sustainability goals, particularly in achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. By investing in innovative startups like JetZero, Alaska Airlines is not only driving progress in the aviation industry but also demonstrating their dedication to environmental stewardship. The partnership between Alaska Airlines and JetZero highlights the potential for collaboration between established airlines and emerging technologies to create a more sustainable future for air travel.