JetZero, the California company shaking up airliner design, plans to build a $4.7bn plane factory at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina.
The plant will be able to make 20 of its Z4 planes a month when it reaches full capacity in the late 2030s.
The Z4 is an “all-wing” plane with a shape reminiscent of a manta ray, with two jet engines at the back.
The company claims its more efficient aerodynamics will cut fuel consumption in half.
So far, it has signed purchase agreements with Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, and says it is working with 14 airlines to make sure the Z4 fits today’s airport infrastructure.
The project will create around 14,500 jobs, making it the biggest jobs announcement in North Carolina’s history.
JetZero is working with Siemens to equip the plant with AI.
More personal space
With room for 250 passengers and a range of up to 5,000 nautical miles, the Z4 is designed for the “middle market” between single-aisle and larger twin-aisle planes.
The company says it gives passengers the most personal space of any airplane, with each seat a minimum of 18 inches wide and all having a line-of-sight to windows.
Airlines will have the option for planes to have no-middle-seats, plus the ability for a 3×2 “family seating” section.
JetZero plans to move its headquarters from Long Beach in California to Greensboro once the factory is operational.
Josh Stein, North Carolina’s Governor, said: “From first in flight to now the future of flight, North Carolina and our skilled workforce is soaring.”
Work on the plant is due to begin in the first half of 2026.
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