JetZero to Invest $4.7 Billion in North Carolina Plant Creating 14,500 Jobs

JetZero Inc. has announced its intention to construct its inaugural manufacturing plant for a next-generation passenger jet in central North Carolina. This ambitious project, if successful, is projected to generate over 14,500 jobs in the region over the course of a decade. The California-based startup plans to invest $4.7 billion in building the factory at Greensboro’s airport, marking the largest job commitment in North Carolina's history.

The company had previously shortlisted Greensboro as one of three potential locations for the factory, which will produce its fixed-wing Z4 aircraft. JetZero claims that these aircraft will be up to 50% more fuel-efficient than traditional tube-and-wing airliners. The Z4 project has already secured approximately $300 million in investment, including a grant from the U.S. Air Force to develop and test a demonstrator model by 2027. United Airlines and Alaska Airlines have also invested in the project and have made conditional purchase agreements for their fleets. JetZero aims to commence service with these planes in the early 2030s, with a target production rate of 20 aircraft per month at full capacity.

Governor Josh Stein highlighted North Carolina’s strong aerospace industry and its historical significance in aviation, noting the first manned powered flights by the Wright brothers in 1903. He emphasized that North Carolina is poised to lead the future of flight, making it an ideal location for JetZero’s plant. The jobs created by this project are expected to pay an average salary of over $89,000, according to the state Department of Commerce. The state and local incentives for JetZero, which could exceed $2.35 billion by the 2060s, are contingent on meeting investment and job-creation thresholds. These incentives include a portion based on income taxes withheld from plant workers’ paychecks, as well as contributions from Guilford County, Greensboro, and the General Assembly to support infrastructure development.

JetZero, currently employing 225 workers, is entering a market dominated by industry giants such as Boeing and Airbus. CEO Tom O’Leary expressed confidence in the strong commercial interest and momentum behind the Z4 aircraft, positioning the plant as a launchpad for a new era in American aerospace. The Z4 aircraft is designed to reduce drag and noise, with engines mounted on the top and back of the plane. It will initially run on conventional jet fuel but can be converted to hydrogen fuel. The aircraft’s design includes larger doors, shorter but wider cabins, and less congested aisles, promising an enhanced passenger experience.

North Carolina is already home to over 400 aerospace companies, with the Piedmont Triad airport emerging as an industry hub. Honda Aircraft and Boom Supersonic have also established significant operations in the region. The central location and easy access to interstates have attracted other major investments, such as Toyota’s electric battery plant in adjoining Randolph County. This project represents North Carolina’s largest economic development initiative to date, surpassing the previous record set by Vietnamese automaker VinFast, which promised 7,500 jobs in Chatham County.