This article is based on an official press release from Wave Function Ventures and Natilus, with additional context from company reports.

Wave Function Ventures Backs Natilus to Accelerate Blended-Wing-Body Aircraft Development

On February 17, 2026, Wave Function Ventures® (WaveFx®) announced a strategic investment in Natilus, the San Diego-based aerospace company designing Blended-Wing-Body (BWB) aircraft. This capital injection is part of Natilus’s Series A funding round, which has raised approximately $28 million to date under the leadership of Draper Associates.

The investment signals growing confidence in hardware-focused “Deep Tech” solutions for aviation sustainability. According to the announcement, the funding will support the manufacturing of Natilus’s regional cargo-aircraft prototype, the Kona, and advance the engineering of its passenger program, the Horizon. By moving away from the traditional “tube-and-wing” design, Natilus aims to deliver aircraft that offer significantly higher internal volume and fuel efficiency while utilizing existing airport infrastructure.

Strategic Investment in Sustainable Aviation

Wave Function Ventures joins a syndicate of investors including Flexport, Type One Ventures, The Veteran Fund, and New Vista Capital. The firm, known for its “atoms over bits” investment thesis, focuses on engineering-led startups solving physical-world problems in aerospace, defense, and energy.

Al Peters, Founder of Wave Function Ventures, emphasized the pragmatic nature of the Natilus design in a statement regarding the investment:

“We see an incredible convergence. It’s smart engineering that helps the planet by cutting emissions while integrating into existing airport infrastructure. Our investment in Natilus supports founders building technology that makes a real difference.”

The partnership aligns with the broader industry push to decarbonize. Aviation currently contributes approximately 3% of global CO₂ emissions, and traditional airframe designs have reached a plateau in efficiency gains. Natilus claims its BWB architecture can reduce emissions by 50% and fuel consumption by 30% compared to current aircraft.

The Blended-Wing-Body Advantage

The core of Natilus’s innovation is the Blended-Wing-Body design, where the fuselage and wings merge into a single lifting body. This configuration reduces aerodynamic drag by roughly 30% and provides 40% more cargo volume than traditional aircraft of the same weight class.

Aleksey Matyushev, CEO of Natilus, highlighted the company’s modern approach to development:

“Our digital-first engineering approach reduces reliance on costly prototypes without compromising safety. We’re not just designing aircraft, we’re future-proofing logistics.”

Aircraft Program Specifications

According to company data, Natilus is developing two primary aircraft models to address different segments of the market:

• Kona (Cargo): A regional, autonomous/remote-piloted freighter designed for feeder routes. It features a payload capacity of 3.8 metric tons and a range of 900 nautical miles. A full-scale prototype flight is expected within approximately 24 months (circa 2028).
• Horizon (Passenger): A commercial airliner targeting the segment currently served by the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. It is designed to carry approximately 200 passengers in a dual-deck configuration (passengers on top, cargo below) and is targeted for service entry in the early 2030s.

Natilus reports significant commercial traction for these models, citing an order backlog of over 570 aircraft valued at more than $24 billion. Commitments have been secured from major operators including Ameriflight, Volatus Aerospace, and Flexport.

AirPro News Analysis

The “Step-Stone” Strategy to Certification
The investment by Wave Function Ventures highlights a critical strategic differentiator for Natilus: the decision to prioritize an uncrewed cargo aircraft (Kona) before attempting a passenger liner. By validating the BWB airframe in the cargo market, where regulatory hurdles for autonomy and new airframes may be navigated differently than in passenger travel, Natilus can generate revenue and flight data to de-risk the larger Horizon program.

Infrastructure Compatibility
One of the historical barriers to BWB adoption has been airport compatibility. Radical new shapes often require new gates or hangars. However, Natilus has explicitly engineered its fleet to fit existing gates and maintenance facilities. This “drop-in” capability is likely a key factor driving the $24 billion backlog, as it allows operators to adopt the technology without lobbying for massive infrastructure overhauls at major hubs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Blended-Wing-Body (BWB) aircraft?
A BWB is an aircraft design where the wings and body are merged into a single lifting shape. This differs from the traditional “tube-and-wing” design (a cylinder with attached wings) and offers superior aerodynamics and internal volume.

Who are the key investors in Natilus?
The Series A round was led by Draper Associates. Other key investors include Wave Function Ventures, Flexport, Type One Ventures, The Veteran Fund, and New Vista Capital.

When will Natilus aircraft fly?
The Kona cargo prototype is expected to fly by approximately 2028. The Horizon passenger aircraft is targeted for service entry in the early 2030s.

Is the Natilus Kona autonomous?
Yes, the Kona is designed as a regional autonomous or remote-piloted freighter, intended to serve feeder cargo routes.

Sources

• Business Wire / Yahoo Finance

This article is based on an official press release from Collins Aerospace.

Collins Aerospace Named 2026 Crystal Cabin Award Finalist for SkyNook Concept

On February 17, 2026, Collins Aerospace, a business of RTX, announced that its new cabin concept, the “SkyNook” suite, has been named a finalist for the 2026 Crystal Cabin Awards. Competing in the “Passenger Comfort” category, the product is designed to monetize underutilized space on widebody Commercial-Aircraft while providing enhanced amenities for families, pet owners, and travelers with sensory sensitivities.

The winners of the prestigious awards are scheduled to be announced on April 14, 2026, at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany. According to the company’s announcement, the SkyNook aims to solve a longstanding engineering challenge regarding the tapering fuselage at the rear of aircraft.

Transforming the Aft Cabin “Dead Zone”

The primary engineering innovation behind the SkyNook is its placement. In widebody aircraft, the fuselage narrows toward the tail, often making standard seat rows impossible to install efficiently. This creates gaps between seats and the sidewall, historically referred to as “dead space” or used merely for storage.

Collins Aerospace has developed SkyNook to convert this area into a revenue-generating product. By utilizing this specific footprint, Airlines can offer a semi-private retreat without removing existing revenue seats. In their official statement, the company described the core function of the suite:

“The SkyNook suite transforms unused space into a flexible, semi-private retreat at the aft of a widebody aircraft.”

, Collins Aerospace Press Release

Key Features and Target Demographics

According to the product details released by Collins Aerospace, the suite is modular and includes specific features designed to accommodate passengers who often struggle in standard economy seating. The suite features a convertible console capable of securing various items that are typically difficult to manage in a standard row.

The Manufacturers highlights that the console is explicitly designed to hold:

• Car seats for infants and toddlers.
• Bassinets.
• Pet carriers.
• Service animals.

Additionally, the suite includes a deployable privacy divider. This barrier visually separates the occupants from the aisle, providing a shield against the high foot traffic often found near rear lavatories and galleys. This feature is marketed not only for privacy but also as a solution for neurodivergent passengers or those with sensory sensitivities who require a “calm zone” dampened from cabin noise and visual overstimulation.

Industry Context: The 2026 Crystal Cabin Awards

The Crystal Cabin Awards are widely regarded as the leading international accolade for excellence in aircraft interior innovation. SkyNook’s nomination in the “Passenger Comfort” category places it alongside other major industry players.

According to award nomination details, SkyNook is competing against distinct concepts that highlight different strategies for cabin utilization:

• Airbus A350 Master Suite: A First Class-focused module featuring a double bed and private lavatory.
• BMW Designworks SPACEFRAME: A sustainable, lightweight seating concept for the Economy cabin.

While competitors are refining existing class structures, either ultra-luxury or sustainable economy, Collins Aerospace is attempting to create a new ancillary revenue stream by capitalizing on previously wasted floor space.

AirPro News Analysis

The Push for Inclusive Revenue Generation

The nomination of the SkyNook highlights two converging trends in the 2026 Market-Analysis: the aggressive pursuit of ancillary revenue and the demand for inclusive design. Airlines are under immense pressure to maximize yield per square inch of the cabin. Historically, the aft taper has been a liability; Collins Aerospace is proposing a solution that turns this liability into a premium “economy-plus” product.

Furthermore, the explicit inclusion of design elements for service animals and sensory-sensitive travelers suggests a shift in how manufacturers view “comfort.” It is no longer just about legroom; it is about accessibility. By creating a dedicated space for these demographics, airlines can potentially reduce friction in the boarding process and improve the travel experience for passengers with diverse needs, all while charging a premium for a space that was previously empty.

Sources

Sources: Collins Aerospace (RTX)

This article is based on an official press release from SkyNRG and accompanying project documentation.

SkyNRG Reaches Financial Close on Europe’s First Standalone Greenfield SAF Plant

SkyNRG has officially reached financial close for DSL-01, its first dedicated commercial-scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production facility. Located in Delfzijl, Netherlands, the project marks a significant milestone in the European aviation sector’s transition to renewable energy. According to the company’s announcement, construction on the facility has already commenced, with full operations targeted for mid-2028.

The DSL-01 project is distinguished as Europe’s first standalone greenfield SAF plant, meaning it is being built from the ground up rather than as an expansion of an existing fossil fuel refinery. Once operational, the facility is projected to produce 100,000 tonnes of SAF annually, alongside 35,000 tonnes of by-products including bio-propane and naphtha.

Maarten van Dijk, CEO and Co-Founder of SkyNRG, emphasized the strategic importance of this development in a statement regarding the launch:

“Reaching this important milestone… marks an important step in our transition to becoming an owner and operator of SAF production capacity. This milestone demonstrates growing market confidence in scalable SAF production and provides a model for future sustainable fuel projects globally.”

Project Specifications and Technology

The facility will utilize Topsoe’s HydroFlex™ technology, operating on the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) pathway. SkyNRG has stated that the plant will process waste oils and fats,predominantly sourced from regional industries,and will explicitly exclude virgin vegetable oils such as palm or soy to avoid competition with food supplies. The project aims to deliver a lifecycle CO2 emissions reduction of more than 85% compared to fossil jet fuel.

Technip Energies has been awarded the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract for the site. While specific contract values are often confidential, industry reports estimate the value between €500 million and €1 billion. The construction phase is expected to generate hundreds of jobs in the Groningen Seaports region, contributing to the area’s developing green industrial cluster.

Financial Structure and Investment Partners

A critical aspect of the DSL-01 project is its financial structure. It is the first commercial-scale SAF plant to secure non-recourse project financing, a move that signals increasing maturity in the SAF market. Under this structure, lenders are repaid based on the project’s future cash flow rather than the general assets of the parent company.

The investment consortium includes:

• APG: Investing up to €250 million on behalf of the Dutch pension fund ABP.
• Macquarie Asset Management: Contributing approximately €50 million, adding to its previous investments in SkyNRG.
• Debt Syndicate: A consortium of major banks including ABN AMRO, BNP Paribas, Rabobank, Crédit Agricole, and Deutsche Bank.

Arjan Reinders, Head of Infrastructure Europe at APG, noted the alignment of this investment with broader sustainability goals:

“SkyNRG represents the first investment in the SAF sector on behalf of our client [ABP], which is closely aligned with our ambition to create impact by investing at the forefront in energy transition assets.”

Strategic Partnerships and Offtake Agreements

To ensure the commercial viability of the plant, SkyNRG has secured long-term offtake agreements. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has committed to purchasing 75,000 tonnes of SAF annually for a period of 10 years. This volume represents three-quarters of the plant’s total SAF output and is essential for KLM to meet upcoming EU mandates under the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation.

Additionally, SHV Energy has agreed to purchase the bioLPG (bio-propane) by-products produced by the facility. Shell, a strategic partner of SkyNRG since 2019, retains an option to purchase SAF from the plant and continues to provide technical and commercial expertise.

AirPro News Analysis

The successful financial close of DSL-01 represents a pivotal moment for the SAF industry, specifically regarding “bankability.” Historically, SAF projects have struggled to attract traditional project finance due to perceived technology and market risks. The willingness of a major banking syndicate to provide non-recourse debt suggests that financial institutions now view HEFA-based SAF production as a stable asset class.

Furthermore, the timing of this project aligns directly with the European Union’s “Fit for 55” regulatory package. With the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation mandating a 2% SAF blend by 2025 and rising to 6% by 2030, the DSL-01 facility will come online just as demand pressures intensify. Unlike competitors expanding existing refineries, SkyNRG’s success with a standalone greenfield site provides a “proof of concept” that could accelerate the development of similar independent facilities globally, such as their planned projects in the United States and Sweden.

Sources:

• SkyNRG Press Release
• Technip Energies Announcement
• APG Investment Statement