Project to bring over 14,500 jobs and usher in new era of sustainable aviation
PIEDMONT TRIAD, N.C., June 12, 2025 – JetZero, the aerospace company reshaping the future of flight, announced today that it will establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility at the Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI).
JetZero is developing the Z4, a revolutionary all-wing jet that dramatically reduces fuel burn, lowers emissions, and offers a superior passenger experience. The company’s decision to locate at PTI represents one of the most significant aerospace investments in North Carolina history – bringing more than 14,500 high-wage aerospace manufacturing jobs to the region over time.
“This is a monumental win for the Piedmont Triad and the state of North Carolina,” said Graham Bennett, Chairman of the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority Board of Directors. “JetZero is a bold innovator shaping the next century of aviation, and we’re honored they’ve chosen to build their future here.”
JetZero will break ground on its advanced “Factory of the Future” in 2026. The facility will leverage cutting-edge technologies including full digital integration, AI-driven manufacturing, and 3D printing, allowing for faster production, improved quality, and a more resilient domestic supply chain.
The company’s presence at PTI will deliver long-term economic benefits locally, while positioning North Carolina and the Piedmont Triad to contribute significantly to JetZero’s national efforts to advance aerospace innovation and critical defense capabilities.
“North Carolina offers the ideal combination of talent, infrastructure, and forward-thinking leadership to support our mission to reshape aviation,” said Tom O’Leary, CEO and co-Founder of JetZero. “This facility is a critical milestone in bringing our all-wing Z4 to market. I applaud the leadership of Governor Josh Stein and his team as well as the leadership of the North Carolina General Assembly, and a whole host of local leaders and organizations for working with us to bring JetZero to North Carolina, the birthplace of aviation.”
A Game-Changer for the Region
JetZero’s manufacturing campus is expected to attract top engineering and technical talent and significantly expand the region’s tax base. The company’s investment will act as a magnet for suppliers, innovators, and educational partnerships across the state.
JetZero will complement PTI’s long-term vision and joins a long and growing list of aerospace tenants that contribute to a $10 billion regional impact.
“This is the kind of transformational project that only comes around once in a generation,” said Kevin Baker, Executive Director of the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority. “JetZero’s vision aligns perfectly with our mission to be a global center for aerospace excellence for the next century, and we’re proud to help make that vision a reality at PTI.”
The Z4 airplane, JetZero’s flagship model, is engineered with a blended-wing body to achieve up to 50% better fuel efficiency. It can seat 200-250 passengers, fly up to 5,000 nautical miles, and is compatible with existing airport infrastructure and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Backed by Industry and Government
JetZero is supported by a $235 million investment from the U.S. Air Force and strong interest from major commercial airlines. United and Alaska Airlines have made conditional orders for the Z4, while Delta Air Lines has partnered with JetZero through its Sustainable Skies Lab. Development partners include Northrop Grumman and their subsidiary Scaled Composites, Pratt & Whitney, Hexcel, Collins Aerospace, and others.
With global air travel projected to double by 2040, JetZero’s innovations will help airlines meet growing demand while advancing environmental goals.
“We are proud to welcome JetZero to PTI,” said Bennett. “This is more than an economic development milestone – it’s a statement that North Carolina is ready to lead the next generation of global aviation.”
The Piedmont Triad International Airport is owned, operated and managed by the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority. The Airport Authority is governed by a board of directors representing three cities, Greensboro, High Point, and Winston-Salem, and two counties Forsyth, and Guilford. The Airport, located off of Bryan Boulevard, is the third busiest airport in North Carolina and the center of North Carolina Aerospace.
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If you would like more information, please contact Stephanie Freeman at 336-665-5644, or FreemanS@gsoair.org