Alaska Airlines bets on JetZero as route to carbon neutrality

US regional and international carrier Alaska Airlines has bet on the “blended-wing body” aircraft designer JetZero as a technology route to greener flying. 

The “blended-wing body” (BWB) design is said to provide up to 50% lower fuel burn, and therefore carbon emissions, without requiring a new fuel technology. 

While other airlines and aviation businesses are focusing investment in hydrogen-powered flight or SAF, Alaska has invested an undisclosed amount in the promise of simply designing more efficient planes via the startup’s Series A funding round. 

The carrier said the JetZero BWB design would “enable the airlines’ path to net zero carbon emissions.”

The direct investment was made by Alaska Star Ventures, the arm of Alaska Airlines launched in 2021, “focused on identifying and enabling the technologies that can help Alaska reach its ambitious goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2040.” 

Alaska Airlines is also invested in alternative fuels, with existing partnerships with Neste and Shell Aviation. 

“At Alaska, we are always looking for ways to innovate and shape the future of air travel for our guests, employees, and industry,” said Diana Birkett Rakow, senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines. 

“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.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Alaska to our team of innovators, and our belief that this aircraft will reshape aviation,” said Tom O’Leary, JetZero CEO. 

“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 aeroplanes flying today.”