US aerospace start-up Natilus says it has redesigned its blended-wing-body (BWB) passenger aircraft as it moves closer to commercial certification, switching from a single-deck to a dual-deck layout following feedback from regulators and airlines.
The company said the revised design of its HORIZON EVO aircraft reflects discussions with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and potential airline customers, with a focus on safety, certification, passenger comfort and faster aircraft turnarounds. Natilus expects the aircraft to enter airline service in the early 2030s.
Aleksey Matyushev, co-founder and chief executive of Natilus, said the changes address some of aviation’s most pressing challenges.
“There’s real excitement around what this new airframe can deliver – not just in fuel efficiency, but in safety, passenger experience and aircraft availability,” he said. “Airline input has been critical in shaping a design that is practical to build, operate and certify.”
The HORIZON EVO retains compatibility with existing airport gates and ground handling systems, a key requirement for airlines. The dual-deck layout places passengers on a wide upper deck, while the lower deck is designed to carry standard air-freight containers – a feature Natilus says will simplify cargo handling and improve operational efficiency.
The company said the new layout also allows for more overhead luggage space and a greater number of window seats, addressing common passenger complaints on short- and medium-haul flights. Multiple aisles are intended to speed up boarding and disembarkation.
Natilus claims its blended-wing designs could cut fuel use by around 30%, while reducing carbon emissions and operating costs by up to 50% compared with conventional aircraft.
The announcement comes as global demand for new aircraft continues to outstrip production capacity at Boeing and Airbus. Industry forecasts suggest airlines will need more than 40,000 new aircraft over the next 20 years.
Dennis Muilenburg, former Boeing chief executive and now head of investment firm New Vista Capital, said the industry faces “a crucial moment for innovation”.
“HORIZON EVO represents a potentially transformative design that addresses airline economics, passenger experience and environmental impact,” he said.
Natilus also confirmed it has raised $28m (£22m) in Series A funding, led by Draper Associates, to support development of its aircraft portfolio. The funding will help complete the first full-scale prototype of KONA, a regional cargo aircraft expected to fly within two years.
The company said its order book now exceeds 570 aircraft, valued at about $24bn, with interest from passenger airlines, freight operators and defence customers.
