JetZero and Siemens unveil zero-emission aircraft by 2030
The prototype of the passenger aircraft presented at the CES 2025 electronics trade show in Las Vegas illustrates an innovative design where the wings are "blended" into the aircraft's body. According to the creators, this will reduce noise and fuel consumption by 50 percent. CO2 emissions are expected to drop to zero.
The new passenger aircraft came from the American startup JetZero, which collaborated with Siemens. At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, they showcased a prototype, presented visualizations, and revealed key details. An ambitious target was also set—the new aircraft is expected to be ready by 2030.
The unusual wing shape will improve fuel efficiency
JetZero and Siemens plan to collaborate on the development and production of a groundbreaking aircraft featuring a "blended wing body" (BWB) design. The creators believe this design can improve fuel efficiency by 50 percent. JetZero intends to utilize the Siemens Xcelerator platform for designing, manufacturing, and operating these innovative machines.
What inspired such an unusual shape? JetZero foresees that their revolutionary design, which includes a shorter and wider fuselage, will reduce weight and drag and allow for the installation of smaller engines. The new aircraft will be 100 percent compatible with sustainable aviation fuel and will also be capable of operating on hydrogen fuel, with the long-term goal of achieving zero emissions. The aircraft is planned to have a range of about 5,750 miles and be able to carry 250 passengers.
A digital twin of the aircraft will also be created
The new aircraft is scheduled to be ready by 2030. JetZero and Siemens, during their presentation at CES 2025, acknowledged that this is a very tight timeline. The companies hope to meet this ambitious schedule by leveraging a digital twin, which involves the creation of an exact digital replica of the proposed design.
"The digital twin is a strategic competitive advantage that allows us—by keeping the end goal in mind—to effectively create a virtual simulation," said Tom O'Leary, co-founder and CEO of JetZero, during their presentation at CES 2025 in Las Vegas.
The digital twin will be integrated with artificial intelligence, which will help identify ways to enhance the design or determine if a particular part can be upgraded for better performance. JetZero also plans to establish a modern "Factory of the Future" in the USA, where they intend to integrate Siemens' automation solutions closely. The plan includes electrifying, automating, and digitizing both the aircraft and the production process.
Testing is set to begin in just two years
JetZero aims to start testing the new aircraft by 2027, although the necessary factories have yet to be constructed. In November, the company announced agreements with suppliers regarding components for the control system of future prototypes.
The concept of aircraft with a blended-wing design has a long tradition and was described over a century ago by Russian pilot Nicolas Woevodsky. Despite commercial risks, these planes offer significant reductions in fuel consumption and noise, thanks to the improved integration of propulsion systems.
