easyJet has formed a partnership with US start-up, JetZero, to develop future blended-wing aircraft that could potentially be powered by hydrogen.
JetZero’s blended-wing body jet is already backed by the US Air Force, NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with the first aircraft due to enter into service as soon as 2030. Blended-wing aircraft improves aerodynamic efficiency because of its aerofoil shaped body and slender wing design, leading to a 50% lower fuel burn and greenhouse gas emissions when compared to traditional tube-and-wing designs.
In this partnership, easyJet is planning on sharing its knowledge of hydrogen propulsion systems with JetZero to explore the opportunity to use a blended-wing body as a platform for hydrogen-powered engine technology in future.
The novel shape of the blended-wing aircraft means it is agnostic to future propulsion systems. It offers a suitable solution for hydrogen storage with a far lower impact on passenger capacity compared to a tube-and-wing design. This means it could actually accelerate the adoption of new zero emission fuels, driving the industry onward to net zero.
easyJet has also joined JetZero’s newly established Airline Working Group, where it, along with others, will aim to address practical considerations of airline and airport operations, while helping to ensure new aircraft shapes can improve on all aspects of flight.
