JetZero Selects North Carolina for $4.7B Production Facility; Will Create Over 14,500 Jobs

The aircraft OEM will produce its all-wing Z4 airplane at the site, which is 50% more fuel efficient than today's commercial jet.

RALEIGH, N.C., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, JetZero has announced a $4.7 billion investment for a production facility at the Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) in Greensboro, North Carolina – with plans to create more than 14,500 jobs. The factory will be located on PTI property, and will house production for the company's commercial all-wing design airplane, the Z4. The company's headquarters will officially move from Long Beach, CA to Greensboro once the site is operational. The company plans to break ground on the facility in the first half of 2026.

Notably, this news stands as the largest job announcement in the history of North Carolina.

"I am thrilled to welcome JetZero and its 14,000 good-paying jobs and unprecedented innovation to Guilford County," said Governor Josh Stein. "From first in flight to now the future of flight, North Carolina and our skilled workforce is soaring." 

The facility, designed to be a "factory of the future," will be fully digital and AI-driven to outpace legacy original equipment manufacturers by ramping up faster, cutting unit costs, boosting quality, and hardening supply chain. The company's Z4 planes are equipped with seating for 250 passengers, at up to 50% better fuel efficiency than today's commercial tube & wing jets. The company plans to have its first commercial airplanes delivered by the early 2030s.

"North Carolina offers the ideal combination of talent, infrastructure, and forward-thinking leadership to support our mission to reshape aviation," said Tom O'Leary, CEO and co-Founder of JetZero. "This facility is a critical milestone in bringing our all-wing Z4 to market. I applaud the leadership of Governor Josh Stein and his team as well as the leadership of the North Carolina General Assembly, and whole host of local leaders and organizations for working with us to bring JetZero to North Carolina, the birthplace of aviation."

North Carolina is uniquely positioned to support Jet Zero's growth, with a plentiful and skilled labor force of 5.5 million, and over 49,00 engineers. Additionally, the state is the nation's leading manufacturing workforce in the Southeast, and with more than 30,000 STEM degrees are awarded annually — the state provides a strong, sustainable talent pipeline for years to come.

Additionally, North Carolina provides an attractive business climate for companies like JetZero. Ranked a top 3 state for business for five consecutive years by CNBC, the state has the lowest corporate tax rate, and falling, at 2.25%, and a cost of living 5% below the national average. Well aligned with JetZero's commitment to sustainability, North Carolina also offers low cost of energy and has a bi-partisan approach to renewable energy leadership and sustainability.

"This announcement is a testament to North Carolina's growing reputation as a magnet for aerospace innovation and top-tier STEM talent," said Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. "With our rapidly growing population and dynamic workforce, we're attracting industry leaders to create quality jobs that will strengthen our local economy and communities across the state."

JetZero has secured investments and conditional purchase agreements from Alaska Airlines and United Airlines. Approximately 14 airlines have joined JetZero's Airline Working Group to provide input on their needs, including the requirement for the Z4 to readily fit into today's airport infrastructure.

Additionally, Jet Zero is partnering with Siemens and their Smart Infrastructure, Electrification, and Automation divisions, headquartered in North Carolina, to design the greenfield factory to leverage the latest digital and industrial AI tools to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective production and operating model. Siemens also supports JetZero's design/build/test model for the Demonstrator aircraft, a full-scale prototype slated for first flight in 2027. Siemens tools enable accelerated design, adaptable manufacturing, and digital test, shaving years of development time while upholding the highest quality and safety standards.

The facility will create thousands of direct advanced manufacturing and engineering jobs, and indirect and induced jobs via suppliers and services providers. Jobs offered at the facility will have average wages above $89,000 per year. Additionally, becoming the next aerospace hub in the U.S. will bring significant opportunities for North Carolina students from high school graduates to community colleges to the State's higher education system.

The company and the state will work closely together to create customized workforce development and training programs. The North Carolina Community College System, home to 58 community colleges, is on board to develop a customized training program estimated to value more than $22 million, which will help deliver the large-scale workforce the company is planning to hire.

"North Carolina's expansive community college network will serve as a critical workforce development engine for JetZero," said John Loyack, vice president of economic development for the North Carolina Community College System. "We've already discussed the company's unique workforce needs and outlined a detailed customized training plan which will be developed through our NCEdge program. In a joint effort with Guilford Technical Community College and other colleges in the region, we're excited to move forward into implementing a customized program that will set Jet Zero up for workforce onboarding success here in North Carolina."

Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Guilford Tech Community College, Forsyth Tech Community College, University of North Carolina System, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, North Carolina Department of Transportation, Golden LEAF Foundation, Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, Piedmont Triad Airport Authority, Piedmont Triad Partnership, GuilfordWorks, Guilford County Economic Development Alliance, Guilford County, Forsyth County, Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, High Point Economic Development Corporation, Greater Winston-Salem, Inc., City of Greensboro, City of High Point and the City of Winston-Salem. In addition, Senator Phil Berger (President Pro Tempore), Representative Destin Hall (Speaker of the House), and Representative Donny Lambeth (Senior Appropriations Chair) were instrumental in bringing this deal to fruition.

About JetZero
JetZero's revolutionary airframe Z4 is a game-changer, slashing fuel burn, emissions, and costs with its ultra-efficient all-wing body design. By maximizing lift and minimizing drag, it will deliver up to 50% greater fuel efficiency and an associated emissions reduction. This breakthrough isn't just about better performance; it's about a cleaner, quieter, and improved travel experience. JetZero's Z4, designed in California, will be produced in Greensboro, N.C., with an entry into service in the early 2030s.

About the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina 
The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) is a private nonprofit corporation that serves as North Carolina's statewide economic development organization. Governed by an 18-member board of business and industry leaders from across the state, the EDPNC focuses on business and job recruitment, existing industry support, international trade, tourism, and film marketing. The EDPNC, which operates under contract with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, works closely with public- and private-sector partners at the state, regional, and local levels.

SOURCE Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina