The first airline to invest in JetZero was Alaska, through its venture capital arm Alaska Star Ventures. Options for upcoming aircraft orders are included. Alaska has not disclosed the investment’s total amount.

In comparison to modern tube-and-wing passenger planes, blended-wing designs combine an aircraft’s wings with the fuselage to provide a smoother shape that lowers aerodynamic drag and aircraft weight. Additional fuselage width provides more possibilities for cabin configurations.

“At Alaska, we are always looking for ways to innovate and shape the future of air travel for our guests, employees, and industry,” said senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability Diana Birkett Rakow. “We are proud to invest in JetZero’s development of this innovative next-generation aircraft, with a significant step-change in fuel efficiency.”

Based in Long Beach In 2021, Mark Page—who spearheaded the first blended-wing design project sponsored by NASA—and Tom O’Leary—the former COO of electric air taxi startup Beta Technologies—founded JetZero. The aircraft that JetZero plans to launch is scheduled for 2030.

The Defense Department granted JetZero a $235 million, four-year grant last year. According to company material, the award is intended to conclude in the first quarter of 2027 with the flying of JetZero’s full-scale demonstrator. This April, a 12.5%-scale version of the demonstration was granted an FAA Airworthiness Certificate.

Alaska Star Ventures was established in 2021 with the goal of helping Alaska Airlines achieve its goal of having net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. The company’s investments are directed toward this end.