Alaska Airlines has recently made a groundbreaking investment in the aircraft engineering startup JetZero. This innovative company is focused on reducing carbon emissions and fuel burn by up to 50% through its unique blended-wing aircraft design. Unlike traditional tube-and-wing passenger planes, JetZero’s design integrates the wings with the fuselage, resulting in a sleeker shape that minimizes aerodynamic drag and reduces aircraft weight. This not only enhances fuel efficiency but also opens up new possibilities for cabin layouts.
As the first airline to invest in JetZero, Alaska Airlines is demonstrating its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the aviation industry. With options for future aircraft orders included in the investment, Alaska Star Ventures, the airline’s venture capital subsidiary, is paving the way for the development of next-generation aircraft that prioritize environmental responsibility. Senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability, Diana Birkett Rakow, expressed pride in JetZero’s innovative approach to improving fuel efficiency and shaping the future of air travel.
JetZero, based in Long Beach and founded by industry pioneers Mark Page and Tom O’Leary, is on track to launch its revolutionary aircraft in 2030. With Mark Page leading the first NASA-funded blended-wing design initiative and Tom O’Leary’s experience as COO of an electric air taxi startup, JetZero boasts a team of experts dedicated to pushing the boundaries of aircraft engineering. Last year, the Defense Department awarded JetZero a substantial grant to further develop its groundbreaking technology, with plans for a full-scale demonstrator flight in 2027.
Alaska Star Ventures, established in 2021, is playing a crucial role in advancing Alaska Airlines’ goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. By investing in JetZero and supporting the development of environmentally friendly aircraft, Alaska Airlines is setting a new standard for sustainability in the aviation industry. The partnership between Alaska Airlines and JetZero signifies a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of air travel and shaping a more sustainable future for the industry as a whole.
The collaboration between Alaska Airlines and JetZero represents a significant milestone in the aviation industry’s journey towards sustainability and innovation. By investing in JetZero’s groundbreaking blended-wing aircraft design, Alaska Airlines is not only taking a proactive approach to reducing carbon emissions but also positioning itself as a leader in shaping the future of air travel. With a shared commitment to environmental responsibility and technological advancement, Alaska Airlines and JetZero are driving positive change and setting a new standard for sustainable aviation.
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