Blended-Wing Body Design Saves Fuel Burn

Alaska Airlines has invested in JetZero, a company that is developing a new style of airframe known as blended-wing body (BWB) that yields up to 50% less fuel burn and less emissions.

The BWB aircraft departs from the traditional tube and wing design and features a noticeably curvy form that integrates the wings and fuselage into a single smooth shape with no tail surfaces. The result is a significant reduction in aerodynamic drag, which leads to lower fuel consumption.

Alaska says the investment represents the airline’s commitment to promoting technological innovation that will benefit the future of aviation as well as facilitate its journey to net zero carbon emissions. Alaska Star Ventures (ASV), the airline’s investment arm, made the investment which includes options for future orders of JetZero aircraft. The purpose of ASV is to influence the future of aviation, and focuses on identifying and supporting technologies that may help Alaska achieve its stated goal of zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Diana Birkett Rakow, Senior Vice President of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines said, “At Alaska, we are always looking for ways to innovate and shape the future of air travel for our guests, employees, and industry. We are proud to invest in JetZero’s development of this innovative next-generation aircraft, with a significant step-change in fuel efficiency. We and JetZero share a vision for more sustainable aviation, and we are excited to partner with them in creating that future.”

FMI:  news.alaskaair.com/ , www.jetzero.aero/