JetZero reveals partnerships with Delta and RTX
JetZero is set to join Delta Air Lines’ Sustainable Skies Lab as part of a new partnership between the blended wing aircraft developer and US carrier.
The California-based has also signed three agreements with RTX companies Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace. Pratt & Whitney will integrate its PW2040 engine and auxiliary power unit into JetZero’s aircraft, and Collins Aerospace will provide the nacelle and propulsion mounting structure.
Firstly, the Delta partnership. The airline said it sees JetZero’s blended-wing-body (BWB) design as a “facet” of it’s ongoing journey to advance industry innovation and meet 2050 climate goals.
Delta’s partnership with JetZero comes after the start-up received a grant from the U.S. Air Force in 2023 to help build a full-scale demonstrator for first flight in 2027.
“Working with JetZero to realize an entirely new airframe and experience for customers and employees is bold and important work to advance the airline industry’s fuel saving initiatives and innovation goals,” said Amelia DeLuca, Delta’s chief sustainability officer. “While Delta is focused on doing what we can today to address our carbon footprint, it’s critical we also work with a variety of partners to advance revolutionary technologies, like JetZero’s blended-wing-body aircraft, to solve for a significant portion of future aviation emissions.”
As the newest member of Delta’s Sustainable Skies Lab, JetZero will receive support, including maintenance and operational footprints, said the airline. Delta will also help design an interior for the uniquely shaped airframe.
Tom O’Leary, JetZero cofounder and CEO said: “The ability to realise such significant efficiency gains in the near future meaningfully impacts the industry’s commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and will serve as the foundation on which other technologies and efficiencies can be realised. Delta was one of the first carriers to partner with us, supporting us behind the scenes since 2023, and we look forward to their continued support of our program through their deep knowledge and expertise.”
RTX agreements
Under the new agreements, RTX will provide the following systems for JetZero’s demonstrator:
Pratt & Whitney will integrate its PW2040 engine. The PW2000 engine family offers 37,000 to 43,000 pounds of thrust and powers all models of the Boeing 757 aircraft, with the F117 military derivative engine serving as the exclusive powerplant for the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.
Pratt & Whitney Canada will provide the APS3200, an auxiliary power unit that uses advanced manufacturing techniques, including composites. Nearly 3,800 APS3200 units have been manufactured and certified for aircraft.
Collins Aerospace will design and build nacelle structures including the inlet, fan cowl and fan duct, in addition to fairings and the engine support structure.
“The aviation industry is focused on efforts to reduce operational costs by improving fuel efficiency and RTX has an extensive portfolio of technologies to help companies like JetZero do just that,” said Juan de Bedout, RTX’s chief technology officer. “Together, JetZero and RTX will play an important role in redefining the future of commercial and military aviation.”
Dan da Silva, chief operating officer for JetZero added: “Securing partnerships for the demonstrator’s propulsion systems marks yet another meaningful milestone on our journey from design to test, to demonstration. We continue to make steady progress on both the demonstrator programme and the design and production capabilities of the airplane that will eventually be delivered to customers. We welcome these industry-leading suppliers to the programme and are inspired to see the industry’s investment and belief in the blended wing airplane.”
