Aviation startup JetZero broke ground on a brand new facility in Greensboro yesterday. The new assembly factory will bring $4.7 billion in investments as well as 14,500 jobs.
From JetZero’s press release:
“It should come as no surprise that JetZero is breaking ground here in North Carolina – the first in flight state,” said Tom O’Leary, CEO and co-founder of JetZero. “North Carolina has a vision for its future as a global aerospace hub, and JetZero shares that vision. We believe the time has come for an all-wing airplane, to support the industry’s need for more efficient airplanes that also deliver an incredible experience. We intend to reshape aviation, from right here in North Carolina.”
The investment by JetZero reflects the forward thinking reforms implemented by conservatives at the North Carolina General Assembly in recent years. Historic tax reform and investments made into education have positioned North Carolina for significant job announcements like JetZero. Programs like Cooperative Innovative High Schools (CIHS) and Opportunity Scholarships have given students more pathways to be prepared to compete in the 21st century economy.
Earlier this year Business Facilities Magazine named North Carolina the 2025 State of the Year, citing, “Leading advantages in workforce and education, infrastructure, and incentives land the Tar Heel State the top spot in this annual economic development award from Business Facilities magazine.”
From WFMY’s reporting on the groundbreaking:
Local education leaders said partnerships with JetZero are already underway as schools prepare students for careers tied to the project.
Guilford County Schools Superintendent Whitney Oakley said company representatives have already visited aviation programs at Andrews High School and are participating in teacher training programs focused on robotics and aviation.
“We’ve been talking a lot about the Guilford Guarantee,” Oakley said. “Jet Zero is a perfect example of what can be next for Guilford County graduates.”
Guilford Technical Community College President Anthony Clarke said the college is working with regional partners to expand aviation and advanced manufacturing training opportunities.
“We are working really closely with Guilford County Schools,” Clarke said. “The idea is to go ahead and do career assessments earlier and identify students who might be interested in aviation.”
