In order to launch a new, efficient, and futuristic airplane, Delta Air Lines is collaborating with aerospace company JetZero.

The new aircraft would have a blended-wing-body design, which is very different from the commercial aircraft that are now in use.

According to a statement from Amelia DeLuca, chief sustainability officer at Delta, “While Delta is focused on doing what we can today to address our carbon footprint, it’s critical we also work with a variety of partners to advance revolutionary technologies, like JetZero’s blended-wing-body aircraft, to solve for a significant portion of future aviation emissions.”

California’s Long Beach As the name suggests, JetZero’s blended-wing-body aircraft design looks to be entirely wing-shaped, eschewing the conventional tube-and-wing arrangement of modern commercial aircraft. Improved fuel efficiency is promised by a reduced total weight and a more aerodynamic shape. According to JetZero, the aircraft will fly higher than current commercial airplanes, which will reduce atmospheric drag and the need for engine. According to CNN, JetZero asserts that these advances can reduce emissions and fuel consumption by 50%, although NASA and Airbus have provided estimates of comparable aircraft efficiency that are somewhat lower.

According to the agreement, Delta will contribute its operational know-how to help JetZero create a full-scale aircraft demonstrator for the US Air Force. The Air Force awarded JetZero a $235 million funding in 2023 to expand the demonstrator. The first flight of that aircraft is scheduled for 2027, according to JetZero. (JetZero declared in 2024 that the Federal Aviation Administration has authorized the start of test flights for a smaller demonstrator aircraft.)

In order to further commercialize the blended-wing-body technology, JetZero also joined Delta’s Sustainable Skies Lab innovation accelerator, which grants access to the airline’s operations and maintenance knowledge. In a statement, Delta stated that the aircraft’s interior “offers endless possibilities,” including “dedicated overhead bin space for each passenger, accessible seats and lavatories, and fewer rows.” The airline has also committed to designing the inside.

In a statement, JetZero co-founder and CEO Tom O’Leary stated, “Delta was one of the first carriers to partner with us, supporting us behind the scenes since 2023, and we look forward to their continued support of our program through their deep knowledge and expertise.”

It is anticipated that a commercial version of JetZero’s blended wing body aircraft will use sustainable aviation fuel, be quieter than a traditional aircraft, and integrate seamlessly with the airport’s current infrastructure. It is anticipated that the airplane will accommodate up to 250 passengers.

According to CNN, one difficulty is that pressurizing the cabin of such an airplane would be more difficult than pressurizing the current, tube-shaped cabins.