Gulf Air plans JetZero Z4 order to support Europe, Asia expansion

Dhaka: Gulf Air has signed a letter of intent to acquire JetZero's next-generation Z4 aircraft, positioning itself among the launch customers for the blended-wing airliner as it pursues long-term fleet modernization and network expansion.

The agreement, announced at the Farnborough International Airshow, gives Bahrain's national carrier preferential delivery positions for the aircraft in the early 2030s. Financial details and the number of aircraft covered by the proposed order were not disclosed.

The Z4 is designed to carry about 250 passengers over a range of up to 5,000 nautical miles. JetZero says the aircraft's blended-wing-body design could reduce fuel consumption by up to 50 percent compared with conventional aircraft currently operating on similar routes.

Gulf Air said the aircraft would support its plans to expand services across Europe and Asia while improving operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

In addition to improved fuel efficiency, the Z4 features wider boarding doors, direct access to six passenger cabin sections, and dedicated overhead bin space for every seat.

JetZero recently broke ground on an eight-million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Greensboro, North Carolina. The company expects the Z4 to enter commercial service in the early 2030s following testing and certification.