JetZero, a California-based aerospace company, has selected Greensboro, North Carolina as the site of its first U.S. manufacturing facility. This transformational project will bring:
- $4.7 billion in investment
- Over 14,500 jobs with an average annual wage of $89,000
- A production facility for the blended-wing-body Z4 aircraft, representing the future of fuel-efficient aviation
- A research and development center, contributing to long-term innovation in the region
- Construction beginning in 2026, with operations expected to ramp up by 2030
The manufacturing campus will be built at Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI), positioning the Triad region as a national player in next-generation aerospace production.
Aerospace: A New Chapter in North Carolina’s Industry Mix
North Carolina is already known for its strong presence in biotechnology, clean energy, food processing, and automotive manufacturing. The JetZero announcement signals a rising trend:
- Aerospace is becoming a strategic growth sector in the state
- Companies are drawn by North Carolina’s skilled workforce, infrastructure, and central location
- State support through the Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) program adds long-term incentive for large-scale projects
JetZero’s decision places North Carolina alongside states like Washington and Texas in the modern aerospace race.
The Communities Around PTI
JetZero’s factory will rise in the central Piedmont Triad, directly impacting the cities and counties surrounding PTI Airport:
- Greensboro – The host city and largest population center in Guilford County
- High Point – A fast-growing city southwest of PTI, known for manufacturing and logistics
- Winston-Salem – Just 30 minutes away, adding regional workforce and housing support
- Guilford and Forsyth Counties – Both expected to experience job growth, housing demand, and infrastructure improvements
The announcement reinforces the Triad’s role as a hub for innovation and blue-collar career paths alike.
Real Estate Implications: Housing, Retail, and Population Growth
The scope of JetZero’s investment is unprecedented for the region. For real estate investors, it opens the door to opportunities across asset classes:
- Population growth: Over 14,500 new jobs will lead to significant in-migration and household formation
- Housing demand: Single-family and multifamily housing in surrounding areas will need to expand rapidly
- Retail & service expansion: New residents and workers will drive demand for shopping centers, restaurants, healthcare, and schools
- Long-term stability: This isn’t a short-term spike—JetZero’s timeline spans multiple decades of production and innovation
As with other major economic development announcements, the time to act is before the cranes rise. Real estate investors focused on North Carolina’s industrial corridors should be watching Greensboro closely.
Sources
- JetZero Company Press Release
- EDPNC Announcement
- State of North Carolina Press Release – Office of the Governor
Doug Kline, PhD, has held income properties in North Carolina for more than 20 years. He holds a North Carolina broker’s license, and is a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Triangle Real Estate Investors Association. He holds an MBA and a PhD in business. In addition to his real estate activities, Doug enjoyed a successful career in academia, achieving the rank of Full Professor in the Cameron School of Business at UNC Wilmington. He was honored with research and teaching awards, served as Director of the MS Computer Science and Information Systems program, and was awarded the endowed position Distinguished Professor of Information Systems.