SAN DIEGO - Aerospace company Natilus in San Diego unveiled its first passenger aircraft, Horizon, a 200-seat blended-wing-body (BWB) model. The company says its design aims to address growing demands for efficiency and reduced emissions in commercial aviation. The Horizon, which can operate on long-haul routes such as Los Angeles to Boston and New York to London, has a BWB design that offers improved fuel efficiency and expanded interior space, aiming to burn 30% less fuel than traditional aircraft.
The debut comes as the aviation industry faces pressure to meet net-zero emissions goals amid a projected rise in demand for both passenger and cargo aircraft. Natilus CEO and co-founder Aleksey Matyushev said the Horizon is intended to provide “real solutions to become more sustainable, more efficient, and more profitable,” adding that the design could help ensure long-term environmental sustainability.
The BWB structure gives Horizon a 40% increase in volume compared to conventional tube-and-wing models, allowing for customizable cabin layouts and quieter operation. Natilus says the Horizon’s design will work with existing airport infrastructure and gate operations, making it compatible with current major airport setups.
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Scheduled for customer delivery in the early 2030s, Horizon is intended for the same payload category as the Boeing 737 and Airbus 320 narrowbody aircraft. This timing aligns with fleet replacement and purchasing cycles as airlines look toward 2050 emissions targets.
Dennis Muilenburg, chairman and CEO of New Vista Capital and former CEO of Boeing, commented on the broader industry impact, saying, “Commercial aviation is on the brink of a transformative shift toward both greater efficiency and increased sustainability. The Natilus Horizon aircraft is poised to revolutionize fleet operations, enabling airlines to maximize capacity while delivering an elevated passenger experience.”
Horizon is Natilus’s second BWB product, following its regional cargo aircraft Kona, which is expected to be delivered in the late 2020s.
