easyJet partners with JetZero to develop new blended wing body aircraft for commercial aviation

European airline easyJet is partnering with US startup JetZero to develop future blended wing aircraft for commercial aviation. easyJet said the aircraft is expected to provide up to 50% lower fuel burn and greenhouse gas emissions versus traditional tube-and-wing designs. The aircraft also has the potential to be powered by hydrogen. JetZero is already collaborating with the US Air Force, NASA, and the FAA to produce a mid-market aircraft for entry-into-service by 2030. Under the partnership agreement, easyJet will share its knowledge of hydrogen propulsion systems following its own extensive research into developing the technology over the years. In addition, it will explore the opportunity to use the blended-wing body as a platform for hydrogen-powered engine technology in the future. ""The blended-wing aircraft design offers the potential to maximise efficiencies and significantly reduce fuel burn and emissions in the process,"" said easyJet chief operating officer David Morgan. ""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,"" commented JetZero CEO and cofounder Tom O'Leary. The blended wing aircraft's novel aerofoil-shaped body and more slender wing design lends itself to a greater aerodynamic efficiency. The shape also offers a suitable solution for hydrogen storage - an issue that would impact current passenger capacity on typical tube-and-wing designs.