Delta Air Lines announced yesterday a partnership with California-based JetZero to design and develop a new breed of airplane.
Why it matters: The sleek and squat blended wing body aircraft aims to emit fewer emissions, make less noise and use roughly 50% less fuel, the airline says.
State of play: Delta engineers will work with JetZero to design and build a demonstrator aircraft with a goal to test the plane in 2027.
The airline will make the calls on the interior's design as well.
The big picture: The airline is investing in new technologies and partnering with start-ups to make aviation more sustainable and evolve with the industry.
One initiative includes a partnership with Joby Aviation to test short city-to-airport routes using a blend of helicopters and planes called eVTOLs.
The Georgia General Assembly is considering a measure to create vertiports where the aircraft can take off and land.
