Gulf Air To Add Z4s To Airbus/Boeing Fleet | Aviation Week

Gulf Air signed a Letter of Intent at Farnborough to take blended wingbody (BWB) aircraft from JetZero, potentially starting from the early 2030s. The Bahrain-based airline agreed to an undisclosed number of JetZero Z4 aircraft and said the deal is an LOI rather than a firm commitment. JetZero claims the Z4 will burn 50% less fuel and emit lower levels of pollution, with the aircraft designed to support a mid-market role. JetZero CEO Tom O’Leary said the Z4 can accommodate 250 passengers and fly 5,000 nautical miles, with a longer-range variant for 200 passengers. The company began building a new manufacturing plant in Greensboro, North Carolina, in June. Gulf Air CEO Martin Gauss said the timing and availability fit the airline’s strategy to complement its Boeing 787 and Airbus A321 fleets and that Gulf Air intends to work with a Z4 airline development group in November. JetZero also plans to fly a full-scale Z1 demonstrator in late 2027.