JetZero to Build $4.7B Blended Wing Jet Factory in North Carolina

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JetZero will invest $4.7 billion to build a new aircraft manufacturing facility in Greensboro, North Carolina, where it will produce its next-generation Z4 Blended Wing-Body (BWB) aircraft. Announced on June 12, the project is expected to create 14,500 jobs, marking one of the largest economic development announcements in the state’s history.

The state-of-the-art factory, dubbed “the factory of the future,” will be located at Piedmont Triad International Airport. JetZero plans to invest $30 million into the North Carolina Community College system to create a tailored workforce pipeline over the next decade.

Backed by $235 million in U.S. Air Force funding, JetZero is developing the Z4 for commercial, cargo, and military applications. While the Air Force sees potential in the aircraft for airlift and tanker roles, it has not guaranteed any procurement. Test flights of a demonstrator are scheduled for 2027.

JetZero said the Greensboro plant will be fully digital and AI-driven, promising faster production, lower costs, and enhanced quality. The airliner version of the Z4, expected by 2030, will seat approximately 230 passengers. The company has secured conditional purchase agreements from Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, with input from 14 other carriers via its Airline Working Group.

JetZero also plans to relocate its headquarters to the new facility. North Carolina’s low corporate tax rate and cost of living were cited as key factors in the site selection.

JetZero is partnering with Siemens to design the facility and with Northrop Grumman’s Scaled Composites for aircraft development. A KC-Z4 military tanker variant is also under evaluation.

Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=jetzero

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.infobing.comairandspaceforces.com

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