{"id":93532,"date":"2026-02-18T12:58:36","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T15:58:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shipping.einnews.com\/article\/893428693"},"modified":"2026-02-18T12:58:36","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T15:58:36","slug":"a-startup-wants-to-beat-airbus-and-boeing-with-an-ultra-wide-flying-wing-jet-with-massive-cargo-space","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/2026\/02\/18\/a-startup-wants-to-beat-airbus-and-boeing-with-an-ultra-wide-flying-wing-jet-with-massive-cargo-space\/","title":{"rendered":"A startup wants to beat Airbus and Boeing with an ultra-wide &#8216;flying wing&#8217; jet with massive cargo space"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"post-page-grid\">\n<section id=\"post-body\" class=\"post-body grid-area-post-body\" data-component-type=\"post-body\" data-load-strategy=\"exclude\" data-lock-content>\n<div class=\"post-hero\" data-component-type=\"post-hero\" data-load-strategy=\"exclude\">\n<figure class=\"figure image-figure-image as-notched\" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\">\n<div class=\"aspect-ratio\" style=\"padding-top: calc(100% \/ (3712 \/ 2784))\">  <img data-opt-id=758893364  fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==\" fifu-lazy=\"1\" fifu-data-sizes=\"auto\" fifu-data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994e1f2f8731049f3af485b?width=700&ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994e1f2f8731049f3af485b?width=700&ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994e1f2f8731049f3af485b?width=700&ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994e1f2f8731049f3af485b?width=700&ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994e1f2f8731049f3af485b?width=700&ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994e1f2f8731049f3af485b?width=700&ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994e1f2f8731049f3af485b?width=700&ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994e1f2f8731049f3af485b?width=700&ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994e1f2f8731049f3af485b?width=700&ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994e1f2f8731049f3af485b?width=700&ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994e1f2f8731049f3af485b?width=700&ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w\" fifu-data-src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994e1f2f8731049f3af485b?width=700&ssl=1\" alt=\"Horizon Evo and Kona rendering at an airport.\"> <\/div>\n<p> <span class=\"image-source-caption with-caption-drawer\"> <span class=\"image-source-caption-drawer\"><figcaption class=\"image-caption label-md-strong\" data-e2e-name=\"image-caption\"> <span class=\"image-caption-text\">A US startup wants to lure customers with lucrative cargo space unavailable on today&#8217;s narrowbodies.<\/span> <span class=\"image-source-text\"> <span class=\"image-source label-md g-test\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\">Natlius<\/span> <\/span> <\/figcaption><\/span> <\/span><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"underline\">\n<div class=\"timestamp label-md\" data-component-type=\"timestamp\" data-load-strategy=\"exclude\"> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-summary-bullets\" data-component-type=\"post-summary-bullets\" data-load-strategy=\"exclude\" data-track-marfeel=\"post-summary-bullets\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"body-md\">US startup Natlius unveiled plans for a dual-deck blended-wing jet with a level for passengers and another for cargo.<\/li>\n<li class=\"body-md\">It&#8217;s a familiar setup, but the ultra-wide jet would hold more freight than existing narrowbodies.<\/li>\n<li class=\"body-md\">The smaller, cargo-heavy plane could be built as a designated freighter and replace the Boeing 757.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<section class=\"post-body-content post-story-body-content\" data-component-type=\"post-body-content\" data-load-strategy=\"exclude\" data-track-content data-post-type=\"story\" data-track-marfeel=\"post-body-content\">\n<p><a target=\"_self\" class href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/airbus-ceo-said-future-passenger-jets-blended-wing-body-2025-12\" data-track-click=\"{&quot;element_name&quot;:&quot;body_link&quot;,&quot;event&quot;:&quot;tout_click&quot;,&quot;index&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;,&quot;product_field&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;}\" rel>Airbus&#8217; CEO recently said the future of flying<\/a> is a B2-bomber-shaped &#8220;blended-wing body&#8221; plane with passengers housed inside the plane&#8217;s one giant wing for maximum efficiency.<\/p>\n<p>Aleksey Matyushev, the CEO of the US aerospace startup Natilus, told Business Insider that his company has taken that vision one step further by redesigning its proposed blended-wing plane, Horizon, with plans to offer more lucrative cargo space while still delivering the 50% lower operating costs and up to 250 seats previously promised.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of the single-deck seating layout originally planned, the newly <a target=\"_self\" class href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/natilus-blended-wing-passenger-jet-boeing-airbus-duopoly-2024-10\" data-track-click=\"{&quot;element_name&quot;:&quot;body_link&quot;,&quot;event&quot;:&quot;tout_click&quot;,&quot;index&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;,&quot;product_field&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;}\" rel>unveiled Horizon<\/a> Evo \u2014 which the company expects to enter service as soon as the early 2030s \u2014 reimagines what cargo-heavy passenger jets can look like by adding a &#8220;dual-deck&#8221; layout.<\/p>\n<p>So far, Natilus&#8217; blended-wing vision is just a sketch on paper, and a mini-sized prototype it&#8217;s been flying; actually developing and certifying the new plane type and getting it into the air is a much longer road.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"figure image-figure-image \" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\">\n<div class=\"lazy-holder \" style=\"padding-top: calc(100% * 4628 \/ 8192)\">  <img data-opt-id=758893364  fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==\" fifu-lazy=\"1\" fifu-data-sizes=\"auto\" fifu-data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dd9df8731049f3af47c7?ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dd9df8731049f3af47c7?ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dd9df8731049f3af47c7?ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dd9df8731049f3af47c7?ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dd9df8731049f3af47c7?ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dd9df8731049f3af47c7?ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dd9df8731049f3af47c7?ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dd9df8731049f3af47c7?ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dd9df8731049f3af47c7?ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dd9df8731049f3af47c7?ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dd9df8731049f3af47c7?ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w\" class=\"lazy-image \" data-content-type=\"image\/png\" fifu-data-src=\"https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dd9df8731049f3af47c7?ssl=1\" alt=\"The dual deck design on Horizon Evo.\"> <\/div>\n<p> <span class=\"image-source-caption \"><figcaption class=\"image-caption headline-semibold\" data-e2e-name=\"image-caption\"> The dual-deck design would have cargo below the passenger deck, as is the case with traditional airplanes. It can handle LD3 containers commonly used on airplanes. <span class=\"image-source headline-regular\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\"> Natilus <\/span> <\/figcaption><\/span> <\/figure>\n<p>Still, the dual-deck idea should be familiar to regulators and airlines, as it is the configuration of traditional tube-and-wing jets where passengers sit in a single level above the cargo hold. When installed on an <a target=\"_self\" class href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/blended-wing-aircraft-airbus-future-of-flight-jetzero-natilus-2024-11\" data-track-click=\"{&quot;element_name&quot;:&quot;body_link&quot;,&quot;event&quot;:&quot;tout_click&quot;,&quot;index&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;,&quot;product_field&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;}\" rel>ultra-wide blended-body<\/a>, it results in a very cargo-heavy plane.<\/p>\n<div class=\"dynamic-module\" data-component-type=\"dynamic-module\" data-load-strategy=\"lazy\" data-root-margin=\"200% 0px\">\n<div class=\"dynamic-module-components\" data-component-name=\"newsletter-dynamic\" data-component-segment=\"anonymous-other\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-dynamic\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-track-view=\"{&quot;element_name&quot;:&quot;inline_newsletter&quot;,&quot;product_field&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;,&quot;subscription_experience&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;}\" data-component-type=\"newsletter-dynamic\" data-load-strategy=\"exclude\" data-element-name=\"inline_newsletter\" data-source=\"transportationinlinesignup\" data-skeleton-name=\"generic-tout\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Evo is expected to boast 2,600 cubic feet of dedicated cargo space on the lower level. For context, most Boeing 737s or Airbus A320s, which are at least 10 feet longer but have a cabin roughly half as wide despite similar wingspans, offer between roughly 1,300 and 1,800 cubic feet of belly cargo space.<\/p>\n<p>This cargo focus comes at a time when <a target=\"_self\" class href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/airlines-spending-billions-on-boeing-airbus-freighters-shipping-crisis-2021-12\" data-track-click=\"{&quot;element_name&quot;:&quot;body_link&quot;,&quot;event&quot;:&quot;tout_click&quot;,&quot;index&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;,&quot;product_field&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;}\" rel>belly freight has become one of the most reliable money-makers<\/a> in aviation (e-commerce helped keep airlines afloat during the pandemic). The lure could help break the Airbus-Boeing duopoly while also addressing a projected shortfall of roughly 15,000 narrow-body aircraft over the next two decades.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The market has gravitated toward a single-deck [blended-wing] layout because it&#8217;s simpler to design and build in many ways, but I just don&#8217;t see it as operationally better,&#8221; Matyushev said.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"figure image-figure-image \" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\">\n<div class=\"lazy-holder \" style=\"padding-top: calc(100% * 3264 \/ 5824)\">  <img data-opt-id=758893364  decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==\" fifu-lazy=\"1\" fifu-data-sizes=\"auto\" fifu-data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dfdef8731049f3af4818?ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dfdef8731049f3af4818?ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dfdef8731049f3af4818?ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dfdef8731049f3af4818?ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dfdef8731049f3af4818?ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dfdef8731049f3af4818?ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dfdef8731049f3af4818?ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dfdef8731049f3af4818?ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dfdef8731049f3af4818?ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dfdef8731049f3af4818?ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dfdef8731049f3af4818?ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w\" class=\"lazy-image \" data-content-type=\"image\/png\" fifu-data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994dfdef8731049f3af4818?ssl=1\" alt=\"Horizon at an airport gate.\"> <\/div>\n<p> <span class=\"image-source-caption \"><figcaption class=\"image-caption headline-semibold\" data-e2e-name=\"image-caption\"> Natilus said its futuristic Evo jet would fit into existing airport infrastructure and fly about 4,000 miles nonstop. It has a high-wing design, making it easier to add windows. <span class=\"image-source headline-regular\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\"> Natilus <\/span> <\/figcaption><\/span> <\/figure>\n<p><a target=\"_self\" class href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/new-widebody-plane-blended-wing-body-jetzero-pathfinder-2024-4\" data-track-click=\"{&quot;element_name&quot;:&quot;body_link&quot;,&quot;event&quot;:&quot;tout_click&quot;,&quot;index&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;,&quot;product_field&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;}\" rel>California-based competitor JetZero<\/a>, for example, is developing a single-deck version. Company leaders have previously said there is a lower deck for the landing gear and some cargo containers, but it could move that floor up to create more space.<\/p>\n<p>Making a dual-deck layout in a blended-wing aircraft is challenging. Unlike conventional jets, the design spreads volume horizontally rather than vertically, and stacking passengers above a cargo deck in this uniquely triangular-shaped airframe requires careful structural and engineering solutions.<\/p>\n<p>Evo&#8217;s cargo economics could shake up the market for freight-reliant carriers. With roughly 11,000 cubic feet of cargo space across its two levels, Matyushev said Evo could serve as a <a target=\"_self\" class href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/see-inside-boeing-767-freighter-flies-packages-dhl-amazon-abx-2023-2\" data-track-click=\"{&quot;element_name&quot;:&quot;body_link&quot;,&quot;event&quot;:&quot;tout_click&quot;,&quot;index&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;,&quot;product_field&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;}\" rel>dedicated freighter<\/a> \u2014 potentially replacing planes like the Boeing 757.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;There&#8217;s a huge product gap left behind by the 757; companies like UPS and FedEx heavily rely on that configuration,&#8221; Matyushev said. &#8220;Evo has the same volumetric capacity as a 757 but in a smaller airframe.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Beyond cargo, Matyushev said the plane&#8217;s unique geometry would similarly enhance the customer experience: <a target=\"_self\" class href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/startup-building-natilus-blended-wing-jet-reveals-first-airline-customer-2025-12\" data-track-click=\"{&quot;element_name&quot;:&quot;body_link&quot;,&quot;event&quot;:&quot;tout_click&quot;,&quot;index&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;,&quot;product_field&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;}\" rel>airlines<\/a> could fit the wide upper level with unique living spaces, such as a playroom or mini-offices.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"figure image-figure-image \" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\">\n<div class=\"lazy-holder \" style=\"padding-top: calc(100% * 500 \/ 885)\">  <img data-opt-id=758893364  decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==\" fifu-lazy=\"1\" fifu-data-sizes=\"auto\" fifu-data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994df59a645d118818979b0?ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994df59a645d118818979b0?ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994df59a645d118818979b0?ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994df59a645d118818979b0?ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994df59a645d118818979b0?ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994df59a645d118818979b0?ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994df59a645d118818979b0?ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994df59a645d118818979b0?ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994df59a645d118818979b0?ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994df59a645d118818979b0?ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994df59a645d118818979b0?ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w\" class=\"lazy-image \" data-content-type=\"image\/jpeg\" fifu-data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/6994df59a645d118818979b0?ssl=1\" alt=\"Seat rendering for Horizon, with a 3x3x3x3 configuration.\"> <\/div>\n<p> <span class=\"image-source-caption \"><figcaption class=\"image-caption headline-semibold\" data-e2e-name=\"image-caption\"> Natlius envisions a 12-abreast economy cabin with the potential to also install unique spaces that are not practical on traditional jetliners. <span class=\"image-source headline-regular\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\"> Natilus <\/span> <\/figcaption><\/span> <\/figure>\n<p>He added that the economy cabin would feature more overhead bins and three aisles for better comfort, door access, and safety during evacuations: &#8220;It&#8217;d have four sets of three seats across, which is close to the A380,&#8221; Matyushev said, referring to the <a target=\"_self\" class href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/airbus-created-cabin-10-seats-across-versus-9-boeing-777x-2022-10\" data-track-click=\"{&quot;element_name&quot;:&quot;body_link&quot;,&quot;event&quot;:&quot;tout_click&quot;,&quot;index&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;,&quot;product_field&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;}\" rel>superjumbo&#8217;s possible 11-abreast seats<\/a>.&#8221; We&#8217;re thinking about it like a widebody layout in a narrow-body type of footprint.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Matyushev also said that Evo would have windows \u2014 something Airbus&#8217; top executive warned could be absent from some blended-wing designs. A windowless passenger jet could create a claustrophobic environment, and flight attendants may struggle to see outside as easily during an emergency.<\/p>\n<p>Natilus doesn&#8217;t have a prototype of Evo, but a subscale model of its blended-wing cargo plane, <a target=\"_self\" class href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/carg-airline-futuristic-blended-wing-body-plane-natlius-2025-2\" data-track-click=\"{&quot;element_name&quot;:&quot;body_link&quot;,&quot;event&quot;:&quot;tout_click&quot;,&quot;index&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;,&quot;product_field&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;}\" rel>called Kona<\/a>, has been test-flying since 2023. Kona has secured orders from companies like US-based Ameriflight and Canada-based Norlinor, while Indian carrier SpiceJet has signed a conditional deal for 100 Evos.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"figure image-figure-image \" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\">\n<div class=\"lazy-holder \" style=\"padding-top: calc(100% * 2160 \/ 3840)\">  <img data-opt-id=758893364  decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==\" fifu-lazy=\"1\" fifu-data-sizes=\"auto\" fifu-data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/69388f2e7ecd1d1da6633a18?ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/69388f2e7ecd1d1da6633a18?ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/69388f2e7ecd1d1da6633a18?ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/69388f2e7ecd1d1da6633a18?ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/69388f2e7ecd1d1da6633a18?ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/69388f2e7ecd1d1da6633a18?ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/69388f2e7ecd1d1da6633a18?ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/69388f2e7ecd1d1da6633a18?ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/69388f2e7ecd1d1da6633a18?ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/69388f2e7ecd1d1da6633a18?ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/69388f2e7ecd1d1da6633a18?ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w\" class=\"lazy-image \" data-content-type=\"image\/jpeg\" fifu-data-src=\"https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/i.insider.com\/69388f2e7ecd1d1da6633a18?ssl=1\" alt=\"Rendering of a privacy pod on Natilus' Horizon aircraft.\"> <\/div>\n<p> <span class=\"image-source-caption \"><figcaption class=\"image-caption headline-semibold\" data-e2e-name=\"image-caption\"> The above rendering shows Natilus&#8217; proposed &#8220;privacy pods&#8221; onboard its jetliner. <span class=\"image-source headline-regular\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\"> Natilus <\/span> <\/figcaption><\/span> <\/figure>\n<p>Natilus has raised $28 million in Series A financing to support its first full-scale Kona prototype and further development of Evo. It typically costs billions of dollars to develop passenger-ready commercial jetliners, and Natilus has a long way to go.<\/p>\n<p>The 737 Max cost around $2 billion to develop (before safety issues and the subsequent global grounding forced Boeing to redesign the plane). It was built on an older airframe that cost around $1.1 billion, in inflation-adjusted dollars, to develop. Meanwhile, the Airbus A320neo cost just over $1 billion to develop; it was also built on an older airframe, that originally cost around $3 billion to develop.<\/p>\n<p>Natilus isn&#8217;t the only company betting on a Jetsons-like blended-wing aircraft. United Airlines has tentatively committed to buying up to 200 of JetZero&#8217;s &#8220;Z4,&#8221; which it previously described to Business Insider as a <a target=\"_self\" class href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/united-new-revoluationary-aircraft-type-jetzero-blended-wing-2025-4\" data-track-click=\"{&quot;element_name&quot;:&quot;body_link&quot;,&quot;event&quot;:&quot;tout_click&quot;,&quot;index&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;,&quot;product_field&quot;:&quot;bi_value_unassigned&quot;}\" rel>&#8220;living room in the sky.&#8221;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Airbus has also been developing a commercial flying wing since 2017 as part of its ZEROe program, which aims to build zero-emission airlines powered by hydrogen rather than traditional jet fuel. That project flew a demonstrator in 2019 but has since been delayed at least a decade from its initial 2035 timeline.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<p> <!-- Included desktop \"post-aside\" --> <\/p>\n<section class=\"post-aside grid-area-post-aside\" data-component-type=\"post-aside\" data-load-strategy=\"exclude\">\n<aside class=\"rail with-default-image has-video-ad \" id=\"l-rightrail\" data-component-type=\"rail\">\n<section data-rail data-track-page-area=\"RR\" class>\n<div class=\"rail-container container-0\"> <\/div>\n<div class=\"rail-container video-ad-container\">\n<div class=\"post-recommended-video\" data-component-type=\"post-recommended-video\" data-load-strategy=\"exclude\">\n<h3 class=\"header display-xs\">Recommended video<\/h3>\n<div id=\"jw-strategy-player\" class=\"ad psuedo-ad\" data-bi-ad>\n<div id=\"player-container-XqOVG7Ek\" data-component-type=\"jw-strategy-video\" data-placement=\"XqOVG7Ek\" class=\"jw-strategy-video\" data-rid=\"3882955367\" data-id=\"B6u6uNgS\" data-name=\"undefined\" data-title=\"Palmer Luckey test-drives first $128,000 Jetson One electric aircraft\" data-timestamp=\"undefined\" data-autoplay=\"true\" data-mute=\"true\" data-pub-id=\"5046\" data-slot-id=\"video-preroll-1\" data-player-url=\"https:\/\/cdn.jwplayer.com\/libraries\/P0a1LFN5.js\" data-region=\"pre-roll-rail\" data-ad-unit-path=\"4442842\/businessinsider.desktop\/post\/pre-roll-rail\/transportation\" data-pre-roll=\"true\" data-is-override=\"true\" data-thumbnail=\"[object Object]\" data-placementid=\"XqOVG7Ek\" data-reactions=\"undefined\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"rail-container\"> <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"post-bottom grid-area-post-bottom\" data-component-type=\"post-bottom\" data-load-strategy=\"exclude\" data-track-marfeel=\"post-bottom\">\n<section class=\"post-bottom-ad-container\"> <\/section>\n<section class=\"post-bottom-taboola\" data-track-page-area=\"Post Bottom\"> <!-- Included desktop \"taboola\" -->  <\/p>\n<section class=\"taboola-container targeted-recommended only-desktop taboola-below-main-column\" id=\"taboola-below-main-column\" data-e2e-name=\"taboola-below-main-column\" data-track-event-label=\"rec-taboola-taboola-below-main-column\"> <\/section>\n<p>  <!-- Excluded mobile \"taboola\" --><\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"pw-modal-entry\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"pw-modal-backdrop\"><\/div>\n<div data-component-type=\"paywall\" data-load-strategy=\"exclude\" data-content-selector=\"[data-content-container]\"> <\/div>\n<div class=\"col-12\"> <\/div>\n<p>  .component.back-to-home.style-loading { display: none; }  <\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blockads.fivefilters.org\"> <\/a><\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/blockads.fivefilters.org\/acceptable.html\"> <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8230; <span class=\"match\">cargo<\/span> space. This <span class=\"match\">cargo<\/span> focus comes at a time when belly <span class=\"match\">freight<\/span> &#8230; stacking passengers above a <span class=\"match\">cargo<\/span> deck in this uniquely &#8230; s <span class=\"match\">cargo<\/span> economics could shake up the market for <span class=\"match\">freight<\/span>-reliant &#8230; carriers. With roughly 11,000 cubic feet of <span class=\"match\">cargo<\/span> &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-93532","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","wpcat-1-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/93532","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=93532"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/93532\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=93532"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=93532"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=93532"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}