JetZero Inc. has unveiled ambitious plans to establish its inaugural manufacturing plant for a revolutionary passenger jet in central North Carolina. This endeavor promises to create over 14,500 jobs within a decade if it succeeds. The California-based innovative company revealed its intention to construct the plant at Greensboro’s airport, making an investment of $4.7 billion. Governor Josh Stein highlighted that this employment opportunity stands as the most substantial job commitment in the state’s history.
Greensboro was previously shortlisted as a potential site for JetZero’s manufacturing facility, where it will produce its innovative Z4 aircraft. This craft, a fixed-wing design, offers a blended-wing approach that is said to be up to 50% more efficient than traditional airliners. JetZero has already accumulated approximately $300 million for the Z4 project development, which includes a grant from the U.S. Air Force for building and testing a demonstrator model by 2027.
Investment partners in this project include major airlines such as United Airlines and Alaska Airlines, who have expressed interest through conditional purchase agreements. JetZero targets the commencement of service for these aircraft by the early 2030s, with a production goal of 20 planes each month during full-scale operations. The announcement was made at Piedmont Triad International Airport, where Gov. Stein underscored North Carolina’s aviation heritage from the Wright brothers’ first flights at Kitty Hawk in 1903 to the current aerospace industry advancements.
“North Carolina is the perfect location,” Stein said. “North Carolina was first in flight. We are also the future of flight.”
In terms of compensation, the jobs are expected to offer an average minimum salary exceeding $89,000. The state Department of Commerce shared details of the project, which had been reviewed earlier by a state committee focused on economic incentives. The initiative from JetZero could see state and local financial support, including training incentives, reach upwards of $2.35 billion by the 2060s, contingent on meeting specific investment and employment conditions.
A significant portion of state incentives—over $1 billion extending 37 years—is derived from a percentage of income taxes withheld from employees’ paychecks. Additionally, support from Guilford County and Greensboro may reach $785 million, with up to $450 million from the General Assembly allocated for infrastructure needs. Moreover, the project will incorporate a research facility dedicated to composite structures. A commerce department representative noted that JetZero, based in Long Beach, California, conducted a thorough year-long search across 25 sites in 17 states before deciding on Greensboro. Currently, the company comprises just 225 employees, trying to carve its niche within a market dominated by giants like Boeing and Airbus. “We have already shown strong commercial interest and momentum to meet the real airline demand for this aircraft,” CEO Tom O’Leary stated. “So this is more than just a factory. It’s a launchpad for a new chapter of American aerospace.”
While the Z4 will have military configurations for tanker and transport functions, JetZero’s primary focus remains on developing a commercial jetliner accommodating around 250 passengers with a 5,000-nautical-mile range.
The company’s designs promise reduced drag, with engines mounted on the plane’s top and rear side to minimize noise. The Z4 will initially run on conventional jet fuel with potential adaptations for hydrogen fuel. Travelers on the Z4 can anticipate larger entryways, wider cabins, and less congested aisles as restrooms will be strategically located away from kitchen areas. “It’s going to deliver a better passenger experience than you’ve ever had before on any other plane,” O’Leary enthused. Stein added that the state hosts over 400 aerospace businesses, with the Piedmont Triad airport evolving as an aerospace hub. Honda Aircraft and Boom Supersonic have already chosen the location for their operations. The region’s strategic positioning and highway accessibility also inspired Toyota to build an electric battery facility in nearby Randolph County.
Prior to JetZero’s announcement, the largest economic development commitment based on jobs was in 2022, when Vietnamese automaker VinFast unveiled plans for a vehicle manufacturing plant in Chatham County, promising about 7,500 positions.