JetZero Inc. has exciting news for North Carolina. The company, based in California, announced plans to build its first manufacturing plant for a new type of passenger jet in Greensboro. This project could create over 14,500 jobs in the area over the next decade, making it the largest job commitment in the state’s history.
The factory will be located at Greensboro’s airport, with an investment of $4.7 billion. Governor Josh Stein highlighted the significance of this investment during the announcement, stating that the job creation would be unprecedented for North Carolina. The jobs are expected to pay an average salary of more than $89,000, according to the state’s Department of Commerce.
JetZero is developing a next-generation aircraft known as the Z4, which it claims will be up to 50% more fuel-efficient than traditional planes. The company has already secured about $300 million in funding for the project, including a grant from the U.S. Air Force to build and test a prototype by 2027. Major airlines like United Airlines and Alaska Airlines are also backing the project, with conditional purchase agreements for their fleets.
The Z4 is designed to carry around 250 passengers and has a range of 5,000 nautical miles. Its unique shape aims to reduce drag, and its engine placement is intended to make it quieter than existing models. JetZero plans to produce 20 of these aircraft each month once full production begins in the early 2030s.
Governor Stein emphasized North Carolina’s strong aerospace industry and its historical significance in aviation, dating back to the Wright brothers’ first powered flights in 1903. He stated, “North Carolina was first in flight. We are also the future of flight.”
The state and local governments are prepared to offer substantial incentives for the project, potentially exceeding $2.35 billion if job creation and investment goals are met. This includes more than $1 billion in state incentives based on income taxes from workers and additional funds for infrastructure improvements.
JetZero’s decision to build in Greensboro follows a year-long search for the right location, during which the company evaluated 25 sites across 17 states. Currently, JetZero employs about 225 workers and is entering a competitive market dominated by giants like Boeing and Airbus.
CEO Tom O’Leary expressed optimism about the project, stating that it represents more than just a factory; it’s a new chapter for American aerospace. The Z4 is expected to enhance the passenger experience with features like larger boarding doors, wider cabins, and less congested aisles.
With over 400 aerospace companies already in North Carolina and the Piedmont Triad airport becoming a hub for the industry, the state is positioning itself as a key player in the future of aviation.