All-wing aircraft manufacturer breaks ground on 8M-square-foot aircraft factory; 14,500 jobs over decade
JetZero broke ground today, June 15, 2026, on an 8 million square foot manufacturing campus in Greensboro, backed by the largest state-level incentive package ever awarded to any startup in any industry. The project represents $4.7 billion in investment and will generate 14,500 jobs over the next decade as the aerospace manufacturer ramps production of its next-generation Z4 aircraft. Construction begins immediately, with hiring expected to phase in over the decade.
The facility will occupy more than 600 acres and serve as the final assembly and production hub for the Z4, a commercial aircraft designed for the underserved middle market with 250-passenger capacity and up to 5,000 nautical mile range. The aircraft will be up to 50 percent more fuel efficient than conventional designs and compatible with existing airport infrastructure.
“North Carolina is not only First in Flight, we are the future of flight, too,” said Governor Josh Stein, referencing the state’s Wright Brothers legacy. “These 14,500 jobs and $4.7 billion in investment will transform the triad region for generations.”
Military variants
JetZero is also developing military variants, including an aerial refueler and transport aircraft. The all-wing design enables twice the range or twice the payload capacity compared to conventional refueling aircraft, potentially amplifying U.S. Air Force operational capabilities.
The Greensboro plant will employ advanced digital twin technology developed with Siemens and Deloitte, allowing engineers to test factory operations and make modifications virtually before construction begins. The approach is rare in aerospace and positions the facility as one of the most adaptable manufacturing plants globally.
“Our partnership with JetZero demonstrates how cutting-edge industrial technology can help reindustrialize America,” said Ann Fairchild, President and CEO of Siemens USA.
JetZero’s Greensboro groundbreaking accelerates a regional aerospace manufacturing boom. Seven months after Boeing broke ground on its $1 billion 787 campus expansion in South Carolina, the Carolinas are cementing themselves as a major hub for large-scale aircraft production, drawing investments backed by record state incentive packages.
JetZero Aircraft Factory in Greensboro
Company overview
- Next-generation all-wing aircraft manufacturer
- Headquarters and primary production facility in Greensboro, North Carolina
- Backed by record state-level incentive package for any startup
Project scale
- 8 million square foot manufacturing and final assembly campus
- Footprint: 600+ acres
- 14,500 jobs created over 10 years
- $4.7 billion total investment
- Construction begins immediately; hiring phases in over decade
Z4 commercial aircraft
- Capacity: 250 passengers
- Range: Up to 5,000 nautical miles
- Fuel efficiency: Up to 50% more efficient than conventional aircraft
- Designed for underserved commercial middle market
- Compatible with existing airport infrastructure
Military variants
- Aerial refueler with twice the range or twice the payload of conventional refueling aircraft
- Transport aircraft variant
- Supports U.S. Air Force operational capability enhancement
Manufacturing technology
- Digital twin factory design developed with Siemens and Deloitte
- AI-native and digital-first smart factory platforms
- Allows engineers to test factory operations virtually before construction
- Enables rapid adaptation as company scales
- Positioned as most efficient and adaptable aerospace manufacturing plant globally
Key partners
- Siemens (digital twin and industrial technology platform)
- Deloitte (AI integration, operational strategy, smart factory expertise)
Timeline
- Groundbreaking: June 15, 2026
- Construction: Begins immediately
- Production ramp: Phases over next decade
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