JetZero, a blended-wing body aircraft startup, has recently secured a $235 million contract from the U.S. Air Force and major investments from United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) and Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL).

The company said the aircraft has the potential to cut fuel burn by up to 50% per passenger mile, while comfortably seating 250 passengers and flying up to 5,000 nautical miles.

JetZero's Path to Commercial Flight and Military Utility

JetZero's flagship aircraft, the Z4, is a high-capacity commercial plane designed to reshape both civilian and military aviation. With a demo flight scheduled for 2027, the Z4 targets long-haul commercial routes but also offers military potential, according to the company. The aircraft has multiple configurations including cargo transport and refueling tankers, two use cases that account for around 60% of the U.S. Air Force's total jet fuel consumption.

Don't Miss:

• Inspired by Uber and Airbnb – Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets – with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!
• Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now.

The Air Force's $235 million contract is meant to accelerate the development of JetZero's demonstrator aircraft and airframe technologies. JetZero is working closely with the Air Force, NASA, and the Federal Aviation Administration, which places it at the intersection of federal defense, aviation research, and commercial innovation.

In addition to military support, JetZero's commercial ambitions are gaining serious momentum, with United entering into a conditional agreement to order up to 100 aircraft, along with an option for 100 more. 

Rethinking the Passenger Experience

Besides the focus on fuel savings, the aircraft's blended wing structure introduces a completely reimagined cabin layout. The company said that plans for the interior include larger, flexible seating, wider aisles, handicap-accessible lavatories, and dedicated overhead bins for each seat. The design also streamlines boarding, thanks to a wide main entrance and multiple aisles, reducing crowding and speeding up passenger flow.

The aircraft will run on conventional jet engines but is also compatible with sustainable aviation fuel blends. This opens the door to dramatic cuts in carbon emissions without requiring immediate overhauls of fueling infrastructure.

Trending: Donald Trump Just Announced a $500 Billion AI Infrastructure Deal — Here's How You Can Invest in the Entertainment Market's Next Big Disruptor for Just $998

United And Delta Bring Commercial Aviation Expertise

JetZero's technology got a major boost when United and Delta airlines became strategic partners. While United has invested in the startup through its corporate venture arm, United Airlines Ventures, Delta supports the company with operational expertise and design collaboration.

Andrew Chang, managing director of United Airlines Ventures, emphasized the airline's vision: “If successful, JetZero has the potential to evolve our core mainline business by developing aircraft with a bigger, more comfortable cabin experience for our customers while increasing fuel efficiency across our network.”

Delta said it has also stepped in to co-develop the aircraft with JetZero, collaborating on everything from seating layout to operational integration. The airline's goal is to help push forward new technologies that align with its decarbonization efforts and improve the customer experience, it added. 

See Also: Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary called Missing Ring his biggest mistake — Don't repeat history—invest in RYSE at just $1.90/share.

JetZero’s Z4 is Optimized for Modern Airports and Airline Networks

Unlike other radical aircraft concepts, JetZero's Z4 is designed to integrate seamlessly into today's airport systems. The company is planning a strategic rollout that matches the operational reality of existing airline networks, avoiding costly infrastructure upgrades while maximizing adoption potential.

“JetZero is focused on one key technology – the airframe – that enables us to address all of the barriers to growth. This program is the only one in development today that promises efficiency and an elevated customer experience," Tom O'Leary, JetZero's CEO and co-founder, said.

With powerhouse partners like United, Delta, and the U.S. military behind it, JetZero may radically change the future of air travel. Between passenger experience upgrades, aggressive fuel efficiency goals, and sustainability targets, the startup is gaining altitude fast in both commercial and defense sectors.

Read Next:

• Invest Where It Hurts — And Help Millions Heal: Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold.
• ‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can invest today for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum.

Image: Shutterstock

UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets.

Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga?

• UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS (UAL): Free Stock Analysis Report
• DELTA AIR LINES (DAL): Free Stock Analysis Report

This article JetZero Secures $235M U.S. Air Force Contract As United Airlines Eyes 200 Orders For Revolutionary Blended-Wing Aircraft originally appeared on Benzinga.com

© 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.