Alaska Airlines recently made a groundbreaking investment in JetZero, an aircraft engineering startup focused on revolutionizing the aviation industry. JetZero’s innovative blended-wing aircraft design aims to reduce carbon emissions and fuel burn by up to 50%. This investment, facilitated through Alaska’s venture capital subsidiary Alaska Star Ventures, marks a significant step forward in sustainable air travel initiatives.
JetZero’s blended-wing designs seamlessly integrate an aircraft’s wings with the fuselage, resulting in a sleeker and more aerodynamic shape compared to traditional tube-and-wing passenger planes. This design not only reduces aerodynamic drag and aircraft weight but also offers additional cabin layout options with the extra width in the fuselage. Alaska Airlines’ Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability, Diana Birkett Rakow, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that they are constantly seeking innovative ways to shape the future of air travel for their guests, employees, and the industry at large.
JetZero, based in Long Beach, was founded in 2021 by industry veterans Mark Page and Tom O’Leary. Page, who spearheaded the first NASA-funded blended-wing design initiative, brings a wealth of expertise to the company. O’Leary, a former COO of electric air taxi startup Beta Technologies, adds valuable insights to JetZero’s team. With a target launch date of 2030 for its revolutionary aircraft, JetZero is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of aviation technology and sustainability.
Milestone Achievements
Last year, JetZero received a substantial four-year, $235 million grant from the Defense Department to support its research and development efforts. The grant aims to culminate in the first flight of JetZero’s full-scale demonstrator in the first quarter of 2027. In a significant achievement, a 12.5%-scale version of the demonstrator already obtained its FAA Airworthiness Certificate earlier this year. These milestones underscore JetZero’s commitment to innovation and progress in the aerospace industry.
Alaska Airlines’ Commitment to Sustainability
The investment in JetZero aligns with Alaska Airlines’ ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Alaska Star Ventures, established in 2021, focuses on supporting initiatives that accelerate the company’s journey towards sustainability. By investing in JetZero and its cutting-edge technology, Alaska Airlines is actively contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for air travel.