The Future of Flight? United Airlines Invests In Radical Jet Design

United Airlines Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL) is expanding its push toward sustainable aviation with a strategic investment in aerospace startup JetZero, through its venture arm, United Airlines Ventures.

The investment includes a potential deal to acquire as many as 200 futuristic aircraft featuring a "blended wing body" (BWB) configuration, engineered to remarkably cut emissions and boost fuel economy.

JetZero's Z4 aircraft concept, currently under development, integrates the wings and fuselage into a single aerodynamic structure, reducing drag and potentially halving fuel use per passenger mile.

The project has also attracted U.S. military interest, with a $235 million contract from the U.S. Air Force helping to boost the prototype's development timeline.

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JetZero plans to launch its full-size prototype by 2027. Should the project achieve its development goals, United may move forward with a purchase of 100 planes, with an additional 100 as an option.

“If successful, JetZero has the potential to evolve our core mainline business by developing aircraft with a bigger, more comfortable cabin experience for our customers while increasing fuel efficiency across our network,” said Andrew Chang, head of United Airlines Ventures.

The aircraft is built to seat about 250 people and can operate on traditional jet fuel or sustainable alternatives.

The proposed Z4 cabin would offer wider seats, flexible configurations and increased overhead storage for every passenger. It's also expected to improve boarding with a broader entryway and multiple aisle paths to help passengers find their seats faster. It is engineered to fit seamlessly into existing airport gates and taxiways.

The aircraft's performance at higher cruising altitudes and its efficient aerodynamics are expected to reduce operational costs. For instance, a transatlantic flight from New York/Newark to Spain could burn 45% less fuel than current twin-aisle jets.

The financial details of the investment were not disclosed.

UAL Price Action: United Airlines shares are trading lower by 0.54% at $68.68 at publication Friday.

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Photo: Courtesy United Airlines/JetZero