Leisure airline easyJet has become the first European airline to partner with US-based startup JetZero, which is developing blended-wing aircraft.
At a Net Zero tech showcase marking the second anniversary of easyJet’s Net Zero Roadmap, the airline revealed the partnership at its latest zero-carbon initiative.
JetZero has backing from the U.S. Air Force, NASA and FAA and is working on the first blended-wing aircraft which is due to enter service by 2030.
Future models of the aircraft could support hydrogen combustion engine tech such as those easyJet is also developing alongside Rolls-Royce.
These aircraft is expected to provide up to 50% lower fuel burn and emissions versus traditional tube-and-wing designs.
The announcement comes as new research by the airline revealed that nearly three quarters (71%) of Brits believe that zero emission technology such as hydrogen is the best option to decarbonise aviation.
It found 6 in 10 Brits say they want to travel more sustainably, with the majority looking to tech advancements to lower their impact.
The majority (71%) believe zero-carbon emission tech such as hydrogen-powered aircraft will be the best option to decarbonise aviation.
Almost half (46%) added they were excited by the prospect of flying zero-carbon emission hydrogen aircraft.
EasyJet launched its Net Zero Roadmap in 2022, with a plan that will see the airline reach net-zero through a series of initiatives.
The ultimate goal is to fly zero carbon emission hydrogen aircraft.
easyJet is already working with partners across the industry, including Airbus and Rolls-Royce on several dedicated projects.
Johan Lundgren, CEO at easyJet, said: “Our research shows unequivocally that UK travellers are banking on tech developments to preserve their ability to fly and see the world.”
