Radical new all-in-one wing airplane concept could be the future of flight.

A new kind of airplane looks nothing like today’s commercial jets—and it could change everything from passenger comfort to military power.

Aircraft manufacturers are in a race. They want to build more efficient jets as airlines search for ways to cut fuel use and lower costs. Instead of the old tube-and-wing structure, a new shape is leading the charge: the blended-wing body.

This sleek design merges the fuselage and wings into one continuous surface. The result? Less drag, more lift, and huge potential savings. Both civilian and military buyers are paying attention.

Blended-wing aircraft aren't completely new. The U.S. Air Force has used the concept in some planes for years. According to the Air Force, blending the body and wings can reduce drag by up to 30%. That means less fuel, longer flights, and better economics.

The startup JetZero is betting big on this concept. So is the Air Force, which gave the company a $235 million contract to build a full-scale demonstrator by 2027. United Airlines, Delta, and Alaska Airlines are also onboard as investors and development partners.

JetZero’s futuristic Z4 jet could hold up to 250 passengers. That’s the same range as a Boeing 767, but with only half the fuel burn. And the Z4 isn’t just more efficient—it’s different inside and out.