Page 16 - AAA NOV / DEC 2024 Digital Magazine | GBP
P. 16
Jet Zero Gains Altitude
By Geoffrey Thomas
he recent announcement that “At Alaska, we are always look- “The biggest challenge for
Alaska Airlines is investing in ing for ways to innovate and airlines is lowering fuel burn
T JetZero, which is developing shape the future of air travel and emissions. Of all the great
a new blended-wing body (BWB) for our guests, employees, new technologies in work, the
aircraft is a huge step forward for and industry.” said Diana Birkett BWB design delivers the big-
the Long Beach, California based Rakow, senior vice president of gest impact by far. Airlines will
company. public affairs and sustainability at see immediate benefit in cost
Alaska Airlines. savings, dramatically lower
The JetZero 250-passenger BWB emissions and improved cus-
will burn to 50% less fuel and thus tomer experience, compared
emissions per passenger than a “We are proud to invest in to airplanes flying today,”
similar sized aircraft such as the JetZero’s development of this said Tom O’Leary, CEO and
Boeing 767. innovative next-generation
aircraft, with a significant step- co-founder, JetZero. “We’re
The investment, which includes change in fuel efficiency. We thrilled to welcome Alaska to
options for future aircraft orders, and JetZero share a vision for our team of innovators, and
was made through Alaska Star more sustainable aviation, and our belief that this aircraft will
Ventures (ASV), the airline’s we are excited to partner with reshape aviation.”
investment arm whose purpose them in creating that future.”
is to influence the future of the While the BWB design is not new,
aviation industry. ASV is focused Not only does the JetZero BWB JetZero has shown unique lead-
on identifying and enabling the slash fuel burn it also is very spa- ership in collaborating closely
technologies that can help Alaska cious which will enable innovative with the United States Air Force,
reach its ambitious goal of net seating arrangements with ben- NASA, and the FAA to develop its
zero carbon emissions by 2040. efits to passenger comfort, such revolutionary blended wing air-
as a quieter and more enjoyable craft and ultimately bringing it to
This initiative is one piece of flying experience. market.
Alaska’s comprehensive sus-
tainability strategy along with Its unique shape also significantly Ironically JetZero is located at
operational efficiency, fleet reduces weight and drag and Long Beach Airport on Donald
renewal, sustainable aviation fuel, offers huge promise in contribut- Douglas Drive named after the
waste reduction, and electrified ing to a more sustainable future in greatest aviation leader of the
aircraft. aviation. last century, whose company
16 | NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2024 WWW.GBP.COM.SG/AAA
