Delta Air Lines has partnered with California-based JetZero to create a new prototype plane, which resembles a Stealth bomber in design. The goal is to reduce emissions and fuel costs for the airline. Key features include a capacity to carry 250 or more passengers, roof-mounted engines that minimize noise, and compatibility with existing airport infrastructure.
Industry experts praise the initiative as “bold and important work” aimed at advancing the airline industry’s sustainability goals. However, futurist Sheldon Jacobson believes it will take time for such planes to become commercially viable due to strict safety and comfort standards.
“The standard for air travel safety is exceedingly high,” Jacobson notes. “We need to overcome a very high bar to deploy new designs like this.” With the military likely to serve as a test bed first, commercial deployment may take another decade, according to Jacobson.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/delta-announces-aircraft-not-too-151202367.html