Fri, Sep 13, 2024
Blended-Wing Body Finds Fans Overseas as Research Continues
easyJet announced a partnership with JetZero to utilize their hydrogen-powered Blended-Wing Body aircraft along the way to achieve their net-zero emissions goals.
The partnership will see easyJet follow in similar footsteps as Alaska Airlines, who made news over the summer for their Series A investment in JetZero. easyJet will share its knowledge of hydrogen propulsion systems, all gleaned over its years of development in the UK. JetZero will get to learn from their pre-existing efforts, and evaluate the use of hydrogen tech on their basic aircraft design. easyJet will join the Airline Working Group, a JetZero body that aims to ensure a smooth and effective rollout.
Interestingly, JetZero plays up on the inherent improvements that blended-wing body aircraft have even when equipped with the same powerplants used by passenger craft today, with any improved electric or hydrogen technology adding a whole heap of efficiency above and beyond that standard. From the design alone, JetZero cites a "50% reduction in the requirement for SAF per passenger", while being "agnostic to future propulsion solutions". Their approach has already gotten nods from the USAF, NASA, and the FAA, with plans to put the first aircraft into service "as soon as 2030."
“The blended-wing aircraft design offers the potential to maximize efficiencies and significantly reduce fuel burn and emissions in the process,” David Morgan, Chief Operating Officer of easyJet, said. “Its potential to be powered by SAF or hydrogen in the future is also incredibly exciting and we look forward to working with JetZero over the coming years alongside our other partners to achieve our joint ambition to deliver a more sustainable pathway for the aviation industry.”
“JetZero’s blended-wing body configuration delivers what the industry most needs today: lower fuel burn, lower emissions and a viable path to zero carbon emissions. We welcome easyJet to the Airline Working Group and look forward to furthering the work of incorporating hydrogen,” said Tom O’Leary, CEO of JetZero.
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