Thales to empower JetZero’s innovative aircraft for safe and eco-friendly flights

• The aviation industry has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. ​
• The US startup JetZero is developing an ultra-efficient Blended Wing Body jet that paves the way towards net zero, using 50% less fuel and able to accommodate hydrogen.
• JetZero has selected Thales's Fly-by-Wire flight control solution to ensure the safe flight of this breakthrough aircraft.

In line with the Aviation industry’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, JetZero has designed a breakthrough blended wing body aircraft that burns 50% less fuel using today's engines. It also has the internal volume to accommodate hydrogen. With a full-scale demonstrator being planned for 2027, the innovative aircraft requires a reliable flight control system to ensure a safe and smooth flight. Field-proven for over 40 years and installed on board more than 12,000 aircraft, Thales’s Fly-by-Wire flight control solution is perfectly suited to JetZero’s needs.

The Fly-by-Wire system, which calculates and adjusts the position of the aircraft's control surfaces, is a critical element of flight safety. Thales pioneered Fly-by-Wire solutions and has remained at the forefront of innovation, growing to become one of the world’s largest supplier of flight control solutions.

Today, Thales and JetZero are opening up a new chapter of aviation history towards greener flights while capitalizing on proven experience to ensure uncompromising safety.

Thales's Fly-by-Wire flight control systems offer substantial benefits in terms of flight safety, aircraft performance, reliability and availability. Those benefits encompass flight envelope protection, reduced pilot workload, minimized aircraft weight, improved handling qualities and reliability.

“Finalizing supplier contracts for the Flight Control Systems is a significant milestone on our journey from design, to test, to demonstration,” said Dan da Silva, chief operating officer for JetZero. “It’s just the latest example of the steady progress JetZero is making toward building this airplane. Thales has a reputation for excellence, and we’re so pleased to see their shared enthusiasm and belief in the blended wing airplane we’re building at JetZero.”

“Actively engaged in a low carbon future, Thales is proud to support JetZero in their innovative pursuit of net zero flights. Our proven flight controls solution is the perfect fit for a disruptive aircraft paving the way for a sustainable future in aviation.” Yanik Doyon, VP Business Development and Sales North America, Flight Avionics activities at Thales.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialized in three business domains: Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Cybersecurity & Digital identity.

It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.

Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.