JetZero To Build $4.7-Billion Aircraft Plant In North Carolina, Hire 14,500

JetZero Inc. has announced plans to build a $4.7-billion manufacturing plant in Greensboro, North Carolina, to produce its next-generation Z4 aircraft — a blended-wing passenger jet touted as being up to 50% more fuel-efficient than conventional planes, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

JetZero aims to begin full production in the early 2030s, ultimately manufacturing 20 aircraft per month. I Photo: Governor Josh Stein Facebook

The California-based startup expects to create over 14,500 jobs from 2027 to 2036 in what Governor Josh Stein called the largest job commitment in North Carolina’s history.

Greensboro was selected over two other finalists for the site, which will be located at Piedmont Triad International Airport.

JetZero has raised about $300 million for the Z4 project so far, including a U.S. Air Force grant to fly a demonstrator model by 2027. United Airlines and Alaska Airlines are investors and have signed conditional purchase agreements.

JetZero aims to begin full production in the early 2030s, ultimately manufacturing 20 aircraft per month.

Governor Stein, present for the announcement, cited North Carolina’s strong aerospace legacy — going back to the Wright brothers' first manned flight in Kitty Hawk — as a factor in JetZero’s decision.