Airbus CEO sees B-2 bomber-like blended-wing aircraft as aviation's future

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury recently indicated that blended-wing body (BWB) aircraft, which integrate the passenger cabin within a single, thick wing, could define the future of commercial aviation within the next 30 to 40 years. This design promises enhanced efficiency and greater carrying capacity by distributing lift across the entire wing structure. However, Faury acknowledged significant trade-offs, including the potential elimination of windows, which could lead to passenger disorientation or claustrophobia, and complex emergency evacuation procedures due to increased distance from exits and lack of external visibility. The BWB concept has a long history, notably with the Northrop B-2 Spirit bomber and subsequent research by McDonnell Douglas and NASA, which evolved into the BWB-17 and Boeing's X-48 demonstrators. Despite this, no full-size passenger BWB has been certified or flown. Airbus has been actively exploring BWBs since 2017 as a core component of its ZEROe initiative, targeting zero-emission aviation, with a 2019 demonstrator showing potential for 20% fuel savings. The long-term vision includes hydrogen propulsion. However, Airbus has delayed its initial 2035 timeline by up to 10 years, citing challenges in certification, limited global hydrogen infrastructure, and passenger acceptance concerns. The race to market for BWB aircraft extends beyond Airbus, with startups like Natilus and JetZero aiming to disrupt the traditional Boeing-Airbus duopoly with launches in the early 2030s. San Diego-based Natilus is developing the narrowbody Horizon, promising 25% lower fuel burn and 40% more cabin space than current A320/737 rivals, designed to fit existing airport infrastructure. Horizon will feature multiple aisles and windows, with skylights to enhance natural light for center-seated passengers. Meanwhile, JetZero, based in Long Beach, is pursuing the widebody Z4, targeting up to 50% lower fuel burn compared to aircraft like the Boeing 767 and Airbus A330. United Airlines Ventures has shown significant interest, planning to acquire up to 200 of JetZero's 250-seat Z4s, following a successful subscale prototype flight in 2024.