JetZero

JetZero is developing the Z4, an all-wing airliner with 250 seats and international range. The company says the design has strong aerodynamics. Its first manufacturing and final assembly campus is being built in Greensboro, North Carolina, in the United States.

Airlines are backing the program. United Airlines has invested, and the investment includes a path to buy up to 200 airplanes. Alaska Airlines has also invested through Alaska Star Ventures, with options for future orders. Gulf Air has signed a letter of intent for the Z4. It says the plane puts Europe and Asia in reach from Bahrain with up to 50 percent better fuel performance. Japan Airlines has also said it supports the program.

The company has raised money in several steps. It raised about 175 million dollars in a Series B round led by B Capital. It also closed a senior secured term loan facility of up to 100 million dollars. It signed a letter of intent with EXIM Bank to explore up to 3 billion dollars in financing for the Greensboro campus.

JetZero plans an engineering office in Wichita, Kansas, at the National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University. Pat Shanahan and Eric Hirshberg have joined the board as the company moves toward the first flight of its all-wing demonstrator.

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