Prepare to be air-mazed!

Delta Air Lines has unveiled plans to transform air travel with a cutting-edge passenger aircraft inspired by fighter jets, designed to cut emissions and fuel expenses – and could potentially be airborne as soon as 2027.

In a recent announcement, the airline disclosed its collaboration with JetZero, a startup based in California, to develop an advanced and eco-friendly blended-wing-body plane as part of Delta Air Lines’ commitment to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.

This innovative aircraft features a lightweight airframe, departing from the conventional tube-and-wing design, and is projected to accommodate over 250 passengers while delivering a quieter flight experience, thanks to its unique engine placement on the top of the aircraft.

“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,” Amelia DeLuca, Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer, said in a statement.

“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.” 

The partnership comes after the start-up received a grant from the US Air Force in 2023 to help facilitate building a full-scale demonstrator for its maiden flight by 2027, the airline said.

Delta will provide operational expertise to help make the technology commercially viable and design the aircraft’s interior cabin, which will include enhanced overhead bin space, accessible seats and lavatories, and fewer rows.

Airline officials said its goal is for the sleek aircraft to run on sustainable aviation fuel.

JetZero cofounder and CEO Tom O’Leary said his company is working to “change the world” by introducing a first-of-its-kind aircraft that will reduce airline energy costs and associated emissions. 

“The ability to realize 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 realized,” he said. 

“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.”