‘Stealth’ passenger jet that could replace Boeing approved for tests
A futuristic-looking passenger jet that aviation analysts believe could be a rival to troubled Boeing has been given the green light for testing. JetZero’s Pathfinder plane, which is modelled on the US Air Force’s B-2 stealth bomber, has a “blended wing” design never previously used on a commercial jet, in which its wings and fuselage are combined to make it more fuel efficient.
The company, founded in 2021, hopes to reduce fuel use and emissions of the jet by 50 per cent compared with other airlines and has ambitions of putting it into service by 2030.
Aviation experts say the jet could be a rival to planes made by Boeing, whose reputation has been damaged in recent months after several of its aircraft suffered technical problems. Geoffrey Thomas, the editor-inchief of AirlineRatings.com in Australia, said he thought the plane could prove more popular with airlines than Boeing jets because of its fuel efficiency and believes they will be rushing to buy them.
Mr Thomas, who was recently invited by Pathfinder to view a 1:8 scale demonstration version of the plane at Long Island, California, said that because the plane needs less fuel for journeys, flight prices will plummet. “Fuel is increasing in price. We are living in an unsustainable world. Fuel security is a big issue. It will definitely impact on airfares – and reduce them,” he added.
“Not only is it good for the environment also airfares are going to be lower. It will definitely make a significant difference.”
Some experts believe the company’s ambitions of putting an aircraft into service by 2030 are unrealistic because many jets can take up to 15 years to be approved to fly.
Rhys Jones, of the frequent flyer website Head for Points, said he did not think that the plane had potential to enter service until 2050. “Planes have to do thousands of hours of tests before they can go into service,” Mr Jones said.