JetZero breaks ground on Greensboro aircraft manufacturing plant. By: Christine Zhu - June 15, 2026 5:30 pm. Aviation startup JetZero broke ground on its manufacturing facility in Greensboro on June 15, 2026. (Photo: Gov. Josh Stein's office) Aviation startup JetZero broke ground on its manufacturing facility and headquarters in Greensboro on Monday. The company's operations are expected to create more than 14,500 aerospace manufacturing jobs, the largest economic development in North Carolina history based on job commitment, according to Gov. Josh Stein's office. JetZero's planned $4.7 billion investment into its Greensboro facilities is projected to boost the state's economy by more than $250 billion. "Today, a great new chapter in North Carolina's storied history of flight is taking off," Stein said at the groundbreaking. "JetZero's decision to build here is a vote of confidence in North Carolina's workforce, our universities and community colleges, and our long aerospace tradition." JetZero is known for pioneering a unique commercial "all-wing" or "blended wing body" jet, a stingray-esque design where the fuselage and wings flow together. It's a project spearheaded by the U.S. Air Force and projected to begin flying in 2027, according to JetZero's website. The Z4 planes are designed to consume less fuel - JetZero claims the design will cut the fuel bill in half - and produce fewer emissions than traditional passenger aircraft. Major airlines like United and Delta have invested in the company. The jets could help airlines offer affordable tickets despite rising fuel costs. JetZero will build those planes at what's planned to be an 8-million-square-foot complex covering more than 600 acres near Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro. The company will also relocate its headquarters from California. "Today's groundbreaking marks the beginning of a project that will prove to be a leader in both aerospace and advanced materials," North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley said. But concerns over another innovative corporation resurfaced. Last month, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson sued electric vehicle company VinFast for failing to follow its agreement with the state to build a manufacturing plant in Chatham County. However, Lilley said, the two projects are at different stages in their lifecycles. "What I think JetZero is doing well is, they're very far along in the development of their finances for this project, very far along in the development of their product," Lilley told The News and Observer. The Commerce Department did not immediately respond to NC Newsline's request for comment. North Carolina is home to more than 400 aerospace companies, according to Stein's office. In April, PSA Airlines relocated its headquarters from Ohio to a new facility in Charlotte, bringing 400 jobs to Mecklenburg County and supporting more than $228 million in economic output for the state. JetZero CEO and co-founder Tom O'Leary said the event marks the start of something new for aircraft manufacturing. "By using the best digital tools available before we break ground, we've designed a factory that can grow and change with us," he said. "That means we can deliver better aircraft, faster, for our consumers and our country." Christine Zhu covers state politics and government for NC Newsline. She is based in Raleigh. NC Newsline is part of States Newsroom, the nation's largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/central-piedmont-psa-airlines-launch-partnership-to-strengthen-aviation-workforce-pipeline-302719112.html. Central Piedmont, PSA Airlines launch partnership to strengthen aviation workforce pipeline. * Establishes scholarship fund and program fund to expand opportunities for students * Boosts workforce readiness for one of the region's fastest-growing sectors CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Central Piedmont Community College and PSA Airlines today announced a new partnership to prepare more students for high-demand, high-wage careers in the aviation sector in the Charlotte region and beyond. Nationally and regionally, the aviation industry faces rising demand for pilots, aviation maintenance technicians, drone operators, air traffic control specialists, and other skilled roles. As an American Airlines hub serving 13 other carriers and home to one of the world's busiest airports, Mecklenburg County is uniquely positioned to develop the skilled talent needed to fuel the region's growing aviation sector. With support from PSA Airlines, Central Piedmont is expanding its investment in modern equipment and curriculum that will strengthen the pipeline of trained aviation professionals to sustain regional employers. Through the collaboration, Central Piedmont students will gain access to internships and PSA facilities to support hands-on learning. PSA will also provide technical expertise and professional development opportunities for college faculty. "This partnership reflects our commitment to strengthening the aviation workforce in one of the fastest growing regions in the country," said Christine Hollanshead, Vice President of People of PSA Airlines. "We're excited to help develop the next generation of aviation professionals by expanding access to hands-on training, modern equipment and scholarship support." Through this new partnership, PSA Airlines will establish the PSA Airlines Scholarship Fund to support students pursuing aviation-related fields, as well as the PSA Airlines Program Fund, which will provide resources to strengthen academic programs at the college. These funds will complement the airline's broader efforts to enhance and expand Central Piedmont's aviation programs. "PSA's investment in student success is clear, and we're proud to partner with them to develop talent for one of our region's most essential and fastest-growing industries," said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. "Together, we are creating new opportunities for our students while strengthening the aviation workforce that keeps our community moving." Central Piedmont currently offers a range of industry-recognized aviation training opportunities, including a Private Pilot Ground School and drone instruction, with additional coursework in development. Collaboration with PSA Airlines is an important part of the college's strategy to further invest in the future of aviation education. The college is also pursuing resources to establish a comprehensive aviation maintenance program aligned with regional workforce and economic development needs. About Central Piedmont Central Piedmont Community College is highly accessible and convenient to people of all ages who seek a real-world, affordable, hands-on education that will transform their lives and strengthen the economic, social, and cultural environment of Mecklenburg County. Central Piedmont is also a smart investment. At a fraction of the cost, students learn by doing, receiving a combination of technical and soft-skills training from quality faculty who prepare them to enter the workforce and make a difference in their family, business, community, and world. Founded in 1963, Central Piedmont Community College has eight locations throughout Mecklenburg County, offering more than 300 degree, diploma, and certification programs; customized corporate training; market-focused continuing education; and special interest classes. For more information, visit cpcc.edu, or connect with the college on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. About PSA Airlines PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group, is based in Charlotte, N.C. and operates an all-jet fleet of dual-class MHI regional jet aircraft. The company's over 5,000 team members operate an average of over 730 daily flights to over 100 destinations. PSA has flight crew bases in Charlotte, N.C.; Dallas-Fort Worth; Dayton, Ohio; Philadelphia; and Washington, D.C. PSA has maintenance facilities in Dayton; Canton/Akron, Ohio; Cincinnati; Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth; Greenville, S.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Norfolk, Va.; Pensacola, Fla.; and Savannah, Ga. PSA has 60 MHI CRJ700 aircraft and 87 MHI CRJ900 aircraft, with seven additional recently acquired CRJ900 aircraft in the inductions process; PSA's fleet will total 154 once all aircraft have been inducted later this year. For more, visit www.psaairlines.com. SOURCE CENTRAL PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGE