easyJet has announced that it has become the first European airline to partner with U.S.-based start up Jet Zero, which is developing an ultra-efficient blended-wing aircraft.
At a Net Zero technology showcase at Cranfield University marking the second anniversary of easyJet’s Net Zero Roadmap, the airline revealed the partnership as the latest initiative in its work towards zero-carbon emission flying.
The U.S. Air Force, NASA and FAA-backed start up is working on the first blended-wing aircraft which is due to enter service by 2030, with future models of the aircraft capable of supporting hydrogen combustion engine technology such as those easyJet is also developing alongside Rolls-Royce.
The aircraft is expected to provide up to 50% lower fuel burn and GHG emissions versus traditional tube-and-wing designs and has the potential to be powered by hydrogen.
The announcement comes as new research by the airline revealed that three quarters (71 per cent) of Brits believe that zero emission technology such as hydrogen is the best option to decarbonise aviation.
Six in 10 Brits say they want to travel more sustainably, with the majority looking to technological advancements to lower their impact while retaining the benefits air travel provides them.
The majority (71 per cent) believed zero-carbon emission technologies such as hydrogen-powered aircraft will be the best option to decarbonise aviation and, as well as being optimistic about the lower impact of future aircraft technology, almost half of respondents (46 per cent) added they were excited by the prospect of flying zero-carbon emission aircraft, such as those powered by hydrogen.
Highlighting just how important this issue is to the public, over half (53 per cent) said they want the new government to prioritise the acceleration of zero-carbon emission flying and offer more support for industry to make the transition.
Two-thirds (64 per cent) of respondents also said they’re more likely to fly with an airline actively reducing its impact in the future, indicating what industry laggards may risk through inaction.
easyJet launched it’s Net Zero Roadmap in 2022, with a plan that will see the airline reach net-zero through a series of elements, with the ultimate ambition to be flying on zero carbon emission hydrogen-powered aircraft. easyJet is already working with partners across the industry, including Airbus and Rolls-Royce on several dedicated projects to accelerate the development of zero carbon emission aircraft technology, with Jet Zero now joining this impressive roster of industry leaders working to advance this goal.
