JetZero’s $4.7 Billion Investment: A Transformative Project for Greensboro and North Carolina’s Aviation Sector
JetZero’s $4.7 Billion Investment: A Transformative Project for Greensboro and North Carolina’s Aviation Sector
JetZero, a California-based aircraft manufacturer, has announced a significant investment in Greensboro, North Carolina, marking a transformative moment for the state’s aviation industry. The company’s commitment includes a $4.7 billion capital investment over ten years and the creation of at least 14,560 jobs, representing the largest job creation announcement in the Triad’s history.
This decision follows a competitive selection process, with JetZero considering locations across 25 states. The company ultimately chose Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTIA) due to a combination of factors including skilled workforce availability, robust infrastructure, and supportive state and local leadership. The project secured significant incentives, including up to $1.57 billion in state Job Investment Development grants, $75.9 million from Guilford County, and $14.56 million from the Greensboro City Council.
Further state support includes $113 million from the state utility funding program, $60 million from the Golden Leaf Foundation, $32 million in community college workforce training, and $10.7 million from the N.C. Division of Workforce Solutions. This comprehensive incentive package underscores the strategic importance of JetZero’s project to North Carolina’s economic development goals.
JetZero plans to construct a 1,000-acre manufacturing facility at PTIA, rivaling the scale of Boeing’s widebody plant in Everett, Washington. The facility will produce the company’s Z4 aircraft, a blended wing body airplane marketed as the “world’s first commercial blended wing body airplane.” The projected timeline includes initial test flights in 2027 and the commencement of commercial service by 2030.
The diverse job opportunities created will encompass various sectors, including systems and aerospace engineering, supply chain management, production, administration, finance, human resources, research and development, and customer service. JetZero projects an average annual wage of $89,340 for these positions.
The project significantly enhances PTIA’s position as a key player in the aviation industry, adding to its existing cluster of aerospace companies, including Boom Supersonic, Honda Aircraft Co., Marshall Aerospace, FedEx, and HAECO. JetZero’s arrival represents a substantial boost to the local economy and reinforces North Carolina’s standing as a center for aviation innovation.
Next steps for JetZero include securing an engine manufacturer and completing prototype testing. The company anticipates a monthly production rate of 20 aircraft five years after full production begins. The Z4 aircraft, with a 250-passenger capacity and a range of 5,000 nautical miles, is designed to serve the underserved middle-market routes.
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