JetZero, an emerging aerospace company, has unveiled its intention to establish its inaugural production and assembly plant in Greensboro, North Carolina. This major development represents a pivotal step for the startup and involves a substantial investment of $4.7 billion. The project is anticipated to generate more than 14,500 jobs across the state, marking it as the most significant employment announcement in North Carolina’s history.
The facility will be constructed at the Piedmont Triad International Airport, with building efforts scheduled to commence in 2024. JetZero aims to gradually scale production, reaching a target of 20 aircraft per month by the latter part of the decade. The rollout of its first commercial aircraft is projected for the early 2030s.
The initiative is set to benefit from significant financial backing, with total incentives surpassing $2.35 billion over the coming decades. North Carolina alone is contributing more than $1 billion in state-level support, largely based on income tax revenues generated by future employees at the facility. Additional funding and assistance will also come from both Guilford County and the City of Greensboro. The state also plans to assist with infrastructure development and job training programs. JetZero will collaborate with North Carolina's community college system to develop a specialized workforce to meet the factory’s unique needs.
JetZero's flagship Z4 aircraft promises to revolutionize the airline industry. The company’s innovative all-wing design boasts up to 50% better fuel efficiency than traditional airliners. With a seating capacity of 250 passengers and a range of 5,000 nautical miles, the Z4 will cater to "middle market" routes, combining better fuel economy with a superior passenger experience. Larger boarding doors, wider cabins, and quieter engines are just a few of the features aimed at improving comfort and reducing drag. JetZero is also working on plans to enable the aircraft to run on hydrogen fuel in the future.
The project’s growing momentum has already attracted investments and conditional purchase agreements from major airlines like United and Alaska Airlines. The Z4’s success could reshape the future of commercial aviation, and the North Carolina factory is set to be the hub of this new aerospace era.