Low-fare airline easyJet has made history by becoming the first European airline to partner with the US startup JetZero to work on a future blended-wing aircraft for commercial aviation. By joining JetZero's Airline Working Group, easyJet will provide its operational insights to aid in the development of this innovative aircraft. The collaboration seeks to leverage easyJet's experience with hydrogen propulsion systems, gained through ongoing collaborations with industry giants like Rolls-Royce and Airbus. The aim is to explore the use of the blended-wing body as a platform for hydrogen-powered engine technology. According to David Morgan, the Chief Operating Officer of easyJet, the blended-wing design has the potential to enhance efficiencies, drastically reduce fuel burn, and cut down emissions significantly. The adaptable nature of the aircraft could allow for future power sources like Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) or hydrogen, presenting an exciting prospect for the industry. This new design is projected to lower fuel burn by 50% compared to traditional tube-and-wing aircraft, potentially leading to a 50% reduction in SAF required per passenger. Furthermore, the blended-wing body design is accommodating for up to 250 passengers while maintaining a lower impact on passenger capacity than conventional tube-and-wing planes. JetZero's CEO and cofounder, Tom O'Leary, revealed that a group of 'a dozen' airlines, including easyJet and Alaska Airlines, will collaborate on this project. The initial meeting is scheduled for later this year as JetZero targets an entry-into-service date for its first aircraft by 2030. While the first aircraft will initially be Jet-A fuelled, the long-term vision includes hydrogen propulsion for the blended-wing body. The startup has garnered substantial interest and funding from key entities like the US Air Force, NASA, and the FAA, enabling them to progress towards building a full-scale demonstrator. O'Leary emphasized the sense of urgency in bringing this innovative aircraft to the market, with clear validation from airlines like easyJet that this direction aligns with market demands and sustainability needs.