Additional Coverage:
- The head of United’s futuristic new 250-person plane says it’ll be like a ‘living room in the sky’ (businessinsider.com)
United Airlines Bets Big on Radical New “Flying Living Room” Jet
United Airlines is making a bold move, investing in a revolutionary aircraft design that looks like one giant wing. The airline has unveiled plans to purchase up to 200 “blended-wing body” aircraft from JetZero, a California-based startup. This futuristic plane could be a game-changer, potentially burning half the fuel of comparable traditional aircraft.
JetZero aims to shake up the industry, challenging giants like Airbus and Boeing. While the 250-passenger Z4 aircraft is still awaiting certification, with a targeted commercial launch in 2030, a subscale prototype successfully flew this year.
Andrew Chang, managing director of United Airlines Ventures, described the Z4’s expansive wing as creating a “living room in the sky,” offering a unique opportunity to reinvent the passenger experience. He envisions a transformation of seating, boarding, and in-flight service, all centered around the innovative design.
This ambitious plan hinges on JetZero demonstrating a full-sized model by 2027, meeting United’s stringent requirements for cost, fuel efficiency, and safety. Chang expressed confidence in JetZero, citing the team’s extensive experience from industry leaders like Airbus and Boeing. The US Air Force has also backed JetZero.
The Z4’s design merges the wings and fuselage, creating a significantly wider cabin that could accommodate over a dozen seats per row, surpassing the current industry maximum of 10. While shorter than traditional dual-aisle planes, the Z4 will feature multiple aisles and up to four entry doors for smoother boarding and deplaning.
United plans to offer a mix of economy and premium seats, equipped with Starlink WiFi and media, enhancing the “living room” atmosphere. The airline is also exploring innovative uses for the ample cabin space, potentially inspired by JetZero competitor Natilus, who has suggested lounge or play areas for their own blended-wing aircraft.
JetZero claims the Z4’s design could reduce fuel burn by up to 50% per passenger mile, with a range of approximately 5,750 miles. The aircraft will use conventional jet engines and can operate on traditional or sustainable aviation fuel.
This efficiency makes the Z4 a potential replacement for United’s aging Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft, slated for retirement by 2026 and 2030. United highlighted the potential fuel savings on a route from Newark to Palma de Mallorca, estimating a reduction of up to 45% compared to current aircraft.
Importantly, the Z4 is designed to fit within existing airport infrastructure.
While the Z4’s arrival is still some years off, United is also incorporating next-generation aircraft like the Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787 Dreamliner into its fleet. However, if certified, the Z4 offers a unique blend of range, capacity, and cost-effectiveness, potentially bridging the gap between these other aircraft. Chang believes JetZero’s innovative design could revolutionize aviation.