Alaska Airlines announced today that it invested in sustainable aircraft developer JetZero, including the company’s first options for future aircraft orders.

Founded in 2021, JetZero is developing the first commercial blended-wing body (BWB) aircraft that it said will provide up to 50% less fuel burn and lower emissions. The company said that its design, which integrates the wings and fuselage into a single smooth shape, greatly reduces aerodynamic drag, leading to lower emissions and operating costs. JetZero aims to launch its BWB aircraft into commercial service by 2030, with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) compatibility, as well as the internal volume to accommodate zero-carbon hydrogen.  .

Tom O’Leary, CEO and Co-founder of JetZero, said:

“The biggest challenge for airlines is lowering fuel burn and emissions. Of all the great new technologies in work, the BWB design delivers the biggest impact by far. Airlines will see immediate benefit in cost savings, dramatically lower emissions and improved customer experience, compared to airplanes flying today.”

The funding came from Alaska Airlines’ investment arm, Alaska Star Ventures (ASV), which targets technologies that will help advance the airline’s 2040 net zero emissions goal. The airline set its climate goal in 2021, with a focus on five key emissions reduction pathways, including operational efficiency, fleet modernization, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), new technology, and high-quality carbon removals. Alaska was the first airline to invest in JetZero’s Series A funding round last year.

Diana Birkett Rakow, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability for 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.”