Alaska Airlines has announced an investment in JetZero, a company developing a new blended-wing body (BWB) aircraft that is planned to provide up to 50% less fuel burn and lower emissions. The investment reflects Alaska’s commitment to advance new technology that will benefit the future of aviation, including those that enable the airlines’ path to net zero carbon emissions. Alaska invested as part of JetZero’s Series A last year and is the first airline to do so.
The investment, which includes options for future aircraft orders, was made through Alaska Star Ventures (ASV), the airline’s investment arm whose purpose is to influence the future of the aviation industry. ASV is focused on identifying and enabling the technologies that can help Alaska reach its ambitious goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2040. This initiative is one piece of Alaska’s comprehensive sustainability strategy along with operational efficiency, fleet renewal, sustainable aviation fuel, waste reduction, and electrified aircraft.
“At Alaska, we are always looking for ways to innovate and shape the future of air travel for our guests, employees, and industry.” said Diana Birkett Rakow, senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines. “We are proud to invest in JetZero’s development of this innovative next-generation aircraft, with a significant step-change in fuel efficiency. We and JetZero share a vision for more sustainable aviation, and we are excited to partner with them in creating that future.”