The USA Leaders
June 12, 2025
Greensboro – In a landmark move poised to reshape American aviation, California aerospace pioneer JetZero is planting its flag in the Tar Heel State. The announcement that JetZero enters North Carolina to build its revolutionary Z4 blended-wing aircraft not only signifies a monumental $4.7 billion investment but also heralds the largest single job creation event in the state’s storied history. This strategic relocation from Long Beach, California, to Greensboro is more than just a corporate move; it’s a bold declaration that the future of flight will be built right here in America’s heartland of aviation innovation.
The Facility That Will Build the Future
JetZero’s Greensboro plant isn’t just a factory — it’s what the company calls a “factory of the future.” Designed to be fully digital, AI-driven, and automation-heavy, the new facility at Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) will become the epicenter of the Z4 aircraft’s production.
- Groundbreaking: Early 2026
- Production Start: Early 2030s
- Production Capacity: Up to 20 Z4 aircraft per month by the late 2030s
- Relocation: JetZero’s HQ will move from Long Beach, CA to Greensboro once operations begin
In partnership with Siemens, JetZero will leverage cutting-edge digital infrastructure and smart manufacturing systems, making this facility one of the most advanced in the aerospace world.
Jobs, Payroll & Economic Boom
When JetZero enters North Carolina, it doesn’t just bring aircraft; it brings an economic windfall. Over 14,500 new high-tech jobs are projected by 2063, with average salaries around $89,340 — nearly double the current average in Guilford County.
- Total Annual Payroll: Expected to exceed $1.3 billion
- Economic Impact: Projected to add $259.4 billion to North Carolina’s economy over 37 years
- STEM Pipeline: Deep partnerships with North Carolina A&T State University and Guilford Technical Community College will help prepare a workforce ready to lead in aviation innovation
This development positions the state as a national hub for aerospace talent, rivalling even traditional giants like Seattle or Southern California.
Z4 Aircraft: A Radical Rethink of Flight
At the heart of JetZero’s mission is the Z4 aircraft, a blended-wing-body (BWB) design — a rare departure from traditional aircraft shapes.
What Makes It So Efficient?
- Lift-Generating Body: Unlike conventional jets, the Z4’s entire body helps generate lift.
- Reduced Drag: Its smooth, wing-like shape cuts through the air with minimal resistance.
- Lightweight Structure: The design requires fewer heavy components, which lowers fuel usage.
- No New Engines Needed: Uses existing engines for maximum compatibility and cost efficiency.
- Sustainable Fuel Ready: Fully compatible with today’s green aviation fuels.
The Z4 is targeted at the middle market — an underserved 250-passenger, 5,000-nautical-mile range — offering airlines an eco-conscious yet highly capable option.
JetZero already has conditional orders from United Airlines and Alaska Airlines, and is in talks with a consortium of 14 global carriers.
Innovation and Education Hand-in-Hand
This isn’t just about planes — it’s about people.
JetZero’s collaboration with local universities and technical colleges ensures a sustainable talent pipeline for decades. Students across the state will now have opportunities to work on the cutting edge of aerospace design and digital manufacturing — all without leaving North Carolina.
Record-Breaking Incentives from North Carolina
To secure the deal, North Carolina put forward an unprecedented $2.3 billion+ incentive package, including:
- $1.017 billion in Transformative-class Job Development Investment Grants (JDIG)
- $784 million from Guilford County and the City of Greensboro
- $450 million for infrastructure improvements from the NC General Assembly
- Customized training programs, low corporate tax (2.25%), and abundant clean energy
Importantly, these incentives are performance-based — JetZero only receives funds if it meets strict job creation and investment benchmarks.
Why North Carolina? A Strategic Decision
JetZero’s choice followed a year-long evaluation of 25 locations across 17 states. Here’s why Greensboro won:
- Deep Aerospace Ecosystem: Over 400 aerospace firms already call North Carolina home
- Skilled Workforce: One of the most robust STEM talent pools in the nation
- Pro-Business Climate: Low taxes, reliable infrastructure, and government support
- Historical Significance: The birthplace of flight is now shaping its future
JetZero CEO Tom O’Leary praised the state’s “world-class talent ecosystem and strong spirit of innovation.”
A Paradigm Shift in American Manufacturing
As JetZero enters North Carolina, it brings more than just jobs — it brings a new industrial model. A digitally-native, AI-integrated aerospace production center rooted in sustainability and driven by a bold vision.
This project could not only challenge legacy manufacturers but redefine the U.S. role in global aviation for decades to come.
“From first in flight to now the future of flight, North Carolina and our skilled workforce are soaring.” — Governor Josh Stein
The Takeoff: Sky is Just the Beginning
When a company like JetZero makes a move this bold, the message is clear: the future of aviation is here, and it’s being built in North Carolina.
For the global business community, investors, job seekers, and climate-conscious travelers alike, JetZero’s entry into North Carolina represents a rare convergence of innovation, opportunity, and sustainability.
This is not just a manufacturing story. It’s a milestone for American enterprise, a leap for green aviation, and a big win for the people of North Carolina.
For more insights into transformative industrial investments and the future of American business, follow The USA Leaders—your front-row seat to the business stories that shape our world.
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