Air Show Takes: JetZero Active at Air Show w/ Gulf Air LOI

Research evidence excerpt

Air Show Takes: JetZero Active at Air Show w/ Gulf Air LOI

USA | Aerospace & Defense Electronics EquityJulyResearch21, 2026

Air Show Takes: JetZero Active at Air Show w/

Gulf Air LOI

We met with Scott Henry (CCO), Michel Merluzeau (Head of Market & Strategic

Analysis), and Bethany Davis (Head of Z4 Program) at the Farnborough Air

Show. Key takes: 1) The demonstrator aircraft is now 50% complete vs 38%

in May w/ first flight in 2027 and EIS early 2030s; 2) Gulf Air signs LOI for

undisclosed number of Z4 aircraft w/ preferential delivery positions; 3) LOI w/

EXIM Bank to explore up to $3BB in financing for NC facility.

JetZero Overview. JetZero is developing the first commercial blended-wing-body aircraft, using

a composite airframe and non-cylindrical pressurization to optimize lift, weight, drag, and thrust

requirements. The mission is to reshape commercial aviation by reducing fuel burn, emissions,

noise, and operating costs while fitting within the existing system rather than forcing disruptive

infrastructure changes. Mgmt framed the design as creating a virtuous cycle: more lift across the

aircraft span and lower drag allow for smaller engines, lower weight, and a path toward ~50% lower

fuel burn / emissions.

Secret Sauce. The secret sauce is Jet Zero's blended wing design which drives a 50% reduction in

fuel burn. The aircraft could operate with an off the shelf (widebody) engine. Jet Zero is in the middle

of engine selection process, expected in next year. The demonstrator aircraft is ~50% complete

and the company is targeting first flight in 2027 w/ EIS in early 2030s.

5K Nautical Mile Range Ideal for Transcontinental Travel. The 5K nautical mile range is a reflection

of how much fuel can be stored in the aircraft, and that was decided from the most economic part