It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… oh, it really is a plane. That’s strange.
Driving the news: U.S. aviation startup Natilus announced that Indian airline SpiceJet will be the first customer for its Horizon jet, ordering up to 100 of the blended-wing body (BWB) aircraft. The jet is still in development, with plans for it to take to the skies in the early 2030s.
Catch-up: BWB aircraft blend the tube-and-wing design typical of passenger planes with the more radical flying wing design usually seen in sleek stealth fighter jets. The result is an admittedly funny-looking triangle-shaped body that houses both the cabin and the fuselage.
Why it matters: They may look like a flying Dorito, but some experts believe BWB aircraft are the future of commercial flight. The design reduces drag and requires smaller engines, meaning the planes are more fuel-efficient and can help the industry meet its net-zero goals.
Natilus’s CEO told CNN that the Horizon will be able to carry 200 passengers while using 30% less fuel and producing 50% fewer emissions than a Boeing 737.
Plus, due to the shape, they could offer unique cabin designs that current jets don’t have room for — we’re hoping for a return of the swanky Pan-Am era cocktail bars.
There are some drawbacks, including reduced natural light and safety concerns in emergencies due to low visibility and more passengers being in the centre of the jet.
What’s next: Big names like Delta are bullish on BWB aircraft, but widespread adoption will require muscling in on territory dominated by Airbus and Boeing and regulatory OKs.–QH