People are becoming more and more aware of the impact they are having on the environment. The same is also true for the companies we use and we all seem to be looking for ways to do better.

The airline industry is perhaps under the spotlight more than others when it comes to their use of fuel and their carbon footprint.

Perhaps that is why they are introducing the Flying-V plane. The aircraft is said to burn 20% less fuel than even the most efficient plane. In addition, there is the coolness factor, since it is based on the Gibson Guitar with the same name.

Researchers from Delft Technology University in the Netherlands were the ones to develop the concept. KLM is providing the financial backing.

How long do we need to wait before we see these planes in the sky? If the tests go well, it could be coming to an airport near you soon.

The wingspan isn’t any larger or smaller than a regular aircraft. In a strange twist, the passengers would actually be sitting in the wings. In other words, the space that was usually empty will now hold up to 314 people. That is why it is so efficient.

KLM’s chief executive, Pieter Elbers says that the carbon footprint of air travel will be drastically reduced, as will the use of fuel. This project could just be the forefront of ‘sustainable aviation initiatives’.

By now, you are probably wondering about the inside of the aircraft. They are keeping things fairly quiet but, according to Peter Vink, there is some news. Vink is the professor of Applied Ergonomics and Design at the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering. He also has a hand in the project.

He says: “The new shape of the aircraft means we have exciting opportunities to design the interior, making flying more comfortable for passengers.”

“For instance, as part of the Flying-V research, we’re looking into new options to having a rest or taking meals on a plane. Offering food from a buffet is one of the options we’re sinking our teeth into.”

The scale model of the Flying-V will be tested in October 2019. They will check at that point to see if it lives up to the hype.

More tests will follow and if they do well, we could be flying high in these unique planes before long.