Altair and JetZero Join Forces to Propel Aerospace Innovation

Rhea-AI Summary

Altair (Nasdaq: ALTR) and JetZero have announced a strategic partnership to develop the world's first commercial blended wing airplane. The innovative aircraft design is expected to achieve up to 50% reduced fuel consumption and emissions compared to conventional airliners.

JetZero is utilizing Altair® FlightStream™, part of the HyperWorks® platform, to perform advanced computational fluid dynamics simulations. The technology enables faster design iterations and reduced computational costs. The blended wing design seamlessly integrates the aircraft's wings with its body, creating a wider frame that maximizes lift while minimizing drag.

As a member of the Altair Aerospace Startup Acceleration Program (ASAP), JetZero gains access to Altair's complete portfolio of simulation, data analytics, and AI tools. The company aims to achieve its first full-scale flight in 2027.

Positive

• Strategic partnership with innovative aerospace company JetZero
• Technology adoption in high-potential aircraft design project
• Expansion of market presence in aerospace sector through Startup Acceleration Program

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Altair's partnership with JetZero represents a strategic positioning in the sustainable aerospace sector rather than an immediate revenue driver. While JetZero's blended wing aircraft technology promises impressive 50% fuel efficiency improvements, their 2027 targeted first flight indicates a long development runway before significant commercial impact materializes.

The collaboration highlights Altair's FlightStream CFD simulation software capabilities in advanced aerospace applications. JetZero's membership in Altair's Aerospace Startup Acceleration Program (ASAP) grants them access to Altair's broader software portfolio but likely through standard license arrangements rather than custom development.

This partnership provides Altair with a valuable showcase for their aerospace simulation capabilities, potentially strengthening their competitive position in this vertical. However, the announcement lacks details on contract size, exclusivity arrangements, or material financial implications. The value appears primarily in technology validation and aerospace sector credibility rather than near-term revenue impact.

From an investment perspective, this represents incremental strategic positioning in sustainability-focused aerospace innovation rather than a transformative deal. The partnership aligns with industry trends toward more efficient aircraft design but requires patience regarding financial returns given aerospace's characteristically long development cycles.

Altair's technology and JetZero's unique blended wing airplane unite to reshape the future of aviation

TROY, Mich., March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Altair (Nasdaq: ALTR), a global leader in computational intelligence, and JetZero, a company dedicated to developing the world's first commercial blended wing airplane, have joined forces to drive next-generation aerospace innovation. The blended-wing airplane promises to deliver greater fuel efficiency, more expansive range, and a lighter, more aerodynamic design than conventional airliners. Through the design of the airplane alone, JetZero estimates up to 50% reduced fuel consumption and associated emissions. JetZero is utilizing Altair^® FlightStream™ – part of the Altair^® HyperWorks^® design and simulation platform – to perform advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, reduce computational costs, and streamline innovation and time to market.

"Altair is delighted that JetZero, a true pioneer in the world of aerospace today, is leveraging our simulation and AI technology to push limits in airplane design," said Pietro Cervellera, senior vice president of aerospace and defense, Altair. "JetZero's vision is to reshape aviation to usher in a more efficient, more sustainable aerospace industry – we share this same vision. There is no better technology portfolio today to accelerate design, reduce complexity, and expand boundaries in aerospace than Altair's."

"JetZero uses Altair technology because it helps us deliver on our mission of making the biggest leap forward in aviation since the dawn of the jet age," said Tom O'Leary, co-founder and chief executive officer, JetZero. "With FlightStream and other tools within the Altair portfolio, our team can run the simulations on an accelerated time frame, at scale, and with the simplicity we need to transform an industry. The Z4 airplane is inevitable, and Altair is helping us to shape the future of aviation."

Altair solutions help JetZero bridge the gap between high-fidelity CFD simulation and engineering, allowing JetZero to solve conceptual and preliminary design challenges on aerodynamic surfaces and structures faster and more efficiently than any other solver. FlightStream's unparalleled computational speeds and low hardware footprint – coupled with a streamlined user interface and robust aerodynamic solver – make it an invaluable tool for rapid early-stage design iterations and in-depth aerodynamic studies.

JetZero is also a member of the Altair Aerospace Startup Acceleration Program (ASAP). Through ASAP, JetZero gains affordable, flexible access to Altair's entire portfolio of simulation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including solutions to conduct interior noise studies.

Blended wing airplanes differ from traditional tube-and-wing designs in that the aircraft's wings are blended seamlessly with its body, allowing all body surfaces to produce lift and minimize drag. A wider body also increases the interior space, elevating the passenger experience or maximizing payload for a freighter variant. The blended wing body is a more efficient structure, reducing weight and noise compared to conventional aircraft designs. With the engines mounted on the top back, engine noise will be directed upwards on takeoff and landing, reducing noise for the communities neighboring the airport. JetZero plans to achieve its designs' first full-scale flight in 2027.

To learn more about Altair, visit https://altair.com/. To learn more about JetZero, visit https://www.jetzero.aero/.

About JetZero

JetZero is developing the world's first commercial blended wing body airplane. With up to 50% lower fuel burn compared to existing commercial airliners, JetZero's Z4 offers the aviation industry a clear path to delivering a 200-290 passenger airplane with 5,000 nautical mile range for the high-demand middle-market, while reducing its carbon footprint. Working alongside the US Air Force, NASA, and the FAA, and backed by decades of investment and research into blended wing technology, JetZero looks to enter commercial service in 2030.   

About Altair

Altair is a global leader in computational intelligence that provides software and cloud solutions in simulation, high-performance computing (HPC), data analytics, and AI. Altair enables organizations across all industries to compete more effectively and drive smarter decisions in an increasingly connected world – all while creating a greener, more sustainable future. To learn more, please visit www.altair.com.

Media contacts
Altair Corporate	Altair Investor Relations
Bridget Hagan	Stephen Palmtag
+1.216.769.2658	+1.669.328.9111
corp-newsroom@altair.com	ir@altair.com
Altair Europe/The Middle East/Africa	Altair Asia-Pacific
Louise Wilce	Man Wang
+44 (0)7392 437 635	86-21-5016635,,825
emea-newsroom@altair.com	apac-newsroom@altair.com
JetZero
Jenny Dervin
+1 (347) 419-1185
Jenny.Dervin@jetzero.aero

 

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SOURCE Altair

FAQ

What fuel efficiency improvements does JetZero's blended wing aircraft promise for ALTR investors?

The blended wing aircraft design promises up to 50% reduction in fuel consumption and associated emissions compared to conventional airliners.

When is JetZero planning the first full-scale flight of their blended wing aircraft using ALTR technology?

JetZero plans to achieve the first full-scale flight of their blended wing aircraft in 2027.

How does ALTR's FlightStream technology benefit JetZero's aircraft development?

FlightStream enables faster early-stage design iterations, reduced computational costs, and efficient aerodynamic studies through advanced CFD simulations.

What are the key advantages of the blended wing design supported by ALTR's technology?

The design offers greater fuel efficiency, expanded range, reduced weight, lower noise, and increased interior space compared to traditional tube-and-wing designs.