GREENSBORO, N.C. — In a major boost to North Carolina’s aerospace sector, startup JetZero has announced plans to build a $4.7 billion manufacturing and assembly plant in Greensboro. Expected to break ground next year, the facility will generate 14,500 jobs — the largest job announcement in the state’s history, according to the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

The Southern Piedmont facility marks JetZero’s first large-scale foray into aircraft production and reflects the company’s ambition to reshape commercial aviation with cleaner, roomier, and more fuel-efficient planes. Once fully operational in the late 2030s, the factory aims to produce up to 20 aircraft per month, with first deliveries slated for the early 2030s.

Founded in 2021, JetZero has positioned itself as a disruptor in the aerospace sector by developing “middle market” aircraft that feature an all-wing design promising 50% greater fuel efficiency than conventional planes. Each aircraft, including the company’s flagship Z4 model, will seat 250 passengers and fly routes of up to 5,000 nautical miles.

JetZero says its aircraft will address some of the most common complaints from travelers, offering a wider boarding door, more personal space, and individual overhead bins.

To date, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines have both backed the startup with investments and conditional purchase agreements, signaling strong industry interest in its design and vision.

JetZero has also formed a strategic partnership with Siemens to integrate digital and industrial artificial intelligence tools throughout the Greensboro facility. The companies will collaborate on both the production systems and JetZero’s first prototype, expected to fly by 2027.

The company is also focused on developing a strong workforce pipeline. JetZero will partner with North Carolina’s community college system to train and upskill workers, especially in Guilford County and surrounding regions.

“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,” said John Loyack, vice president of economic development for the North Carolina Community College System. “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.”

To support the massive economic development project, North Carolina has offered JetZero a multi-decade grant package stretching across 37 years. If JetZero’s projections hold — with the project expected to contribute $259.4 billion to the state economy over that time — the company could qualify for over $1 billion in state incentives, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

The announcement solidifies the Southeast U.S. as a rising aerospace manufacturing hub. Boeing, which has built Dreamliner jets in South Carolina since 2007, is currently undertaking a $1 billion expansion of its North Charleston campus. Meanwhile, Williams International is expanding into Florida with a new $1 billion turbine engine factory, and Archer Aviation, another aerospace startup, began production earlier this year at its electric air taxi facility in Covington, Georgia, with ambitions to produce 650 aircraft annually by 2030.

JetZero’s investment not only adds to the region’s growing momentum but also signals a broader industry shift toward sustainable aviation, smarter factories, and enhanced passenger experience — all wrapped in the promise of a new generation of aircraft.

Originally reported by Kate Magill in Construction Dive.