JetZero picks Greensboro for $4.7B aircraft factory, bringing 14,500 jobs in state's largest employment commitment
California aviation startup JetZero will build its first commercial aircraft manufacturing facility at PTI, creating 14,564 jobs and investing $4.7B to produce its all-wing Z4 aircraft.
JetZero picks Greensboro for $4.7B aircraft factory, bringing 14,500 jobs in state's largest employment commitment
GREENSBORO, N.C. — California aviation startup JetZero will invest $4.7 billion to build its first commercial aircraft manufacturing facility at Piedmont Triad International Airport, creating 14,564 jobs by 2036—the largest job commitment in North Carolina history.
The announcement solidifies PTI as an emerging aerospace hub, making it home to two next-generation aircraft manufacturers alongside Denver-based Boom Supersonic. "From first in flight to now the future of flight, North Carolina and our skilled workforce are soaring," Gov. Josh Stein said at Thursday's announcement.
What's planned at PTI
JetZero will construct a state-of-the-art manufacturing and final assembly facility on airport property to produce its Z4 all-wing aircraft, which promises 50% better fuel efficiency than traditional tube-and-wing designs. The facility will ramp to 20 aircraft per month at full production by the late 2030s.
The California-based company, founded in 2020, will relocate its headquarters from Long Beach to Greensboro once operational. Construction starts in first half 2026, with hiring beginning in 2027 and first deliveries targeted for the early 2030s.
Working with Siemens—whose Smart Infrastructure, Electrification, and Automation divisions are headquartered in North Carolina—JetZero plans a greenfield factory leveraging digital and industrial AI tools for manufacturing efficiency. A full-scale demonstrator is slated to fly in 2027.
Why it matters for Triad manufacturing
The project validates the region's aerospace cluster, which includes HondaJet, HAECO Americas, Marshall Aerospace, and now both JetZero and Boom Supersonic. Average salaries of $89,340 will exceed Guilford County's average by nearly 50%, with positions ranging from engineers to manufacturing specialists and technicians.
"This era-defining project reflects everything we've worked toward at PTI to create high-paying jobs and a sustainable, innovation-driven future," said Kevin Baker, PTI executive director.
State and local incentives total potential commitments exceeding $2.35 billion if all milestones are met, including:
- $1.02 billion state JDIG grant over 37 years
- $450 million state infrastructure support
- $785 million combined from Guilford County and Greensboro
- $60 million from Golden LEAF Foundation
The technology and market opportunity
The Z4's blended-wing design targets the underserved "middle market" between single-aisle and twin-aisle aircraft, seating 250 passengers with 5,000 nautical mile range. The entire wingspan generates lift, reducing drag and fuel consumption.
JetZero has secured conditional purchase agreements from United Airlines (100 orders, 100 options) and Alaska Airlines (undisclosed), with 14 airlines participating in its working group. Partners include NASA, RTX, BAE Systems, and Siemens.
"You can only grow and meet demand while also decarbonize through innovation," said JetZero CEO Tom O'Leary, noting aviation demand is forecast to double by 2040s.
Build-out timeline
- June 2025: Site selection announced
- First half 2026: Groundbreaking
- 2027: Hiring begins; demonstrator first flight
- Early 2030s: First customer deliveries
- Late 2030s: Full production rate of 20 aircraft/month
Workforce partners include NC A&T State University (which offers an aerospace engineering option and will launch North Carolina's first B.S. in AI this fall), Guilford Technical Community College, Forsyth Tech, NC State, and UNC Charlotte.
What's next
Job postings will appear on JetZero's careers page and NCworks.gov as positions become available. The company considered 25 sites in 17 states over more than a year before selecting Greensboro.
For PTI and the Triad's manufacturing sector, the win represents a generational shift from textiles to advanced aerospace manufacturing, building on decades of infrastructure development and workforce preparation.
Sources
- N.C. Department of Commerce: "Governor Stein Announces JetZero Selects North Carolina for $4 Billion Airplane Manufacturing Hub" (June 12, 2025)
- JetZero: "JetZero selects Greensboro, NC for first U.S. factory" (June 12, 2025)
- Office of Governor Josh Stein: Press announcement at PTI (June 12, 2025)