By Nicky Smith
June 10, 2025
Big news is officially on the horizon for Greensboro, and it has the potential to reshape our economic future completely.
Critical meetings at the Greensboro City Council and Guilford County Board of Commissioners this Thursday, June 12th, could help bring JetZero—the innovative aerospace company behind the world’s first blended-wing commercial aircraft—to Piedmont Triad International Airport. JetZero has narrowed its list of potential locations for its new factory to three finalists, with PTI Airport in Greensboro confirmed as one of them. The factory would create as many as 10,000 jobs.
The company is requesting performance-based economic incentives of up to $75.93 million over 20 years, representing one of the largest economic development opportunities our region has ever seen. JetZero officials said an announcement could be made before or at the high-profile Paris Air Show that runs June 16-22.
As someone who has spent the last 45 years building successful businesses from the ground up, I know what it takes to create jobs, attract investment, and lead with vision. Economic development doesn’t just happen — it takes leadership, strategy, and the ability to close deals when opportunity knocks. I’ve built that trust with my businesses and am ready to bring that same proven approach to the City Council.
What makes this JetZero opportunity even more exciting is the incredible foundation we’ve already built at PTI. More than 8,600 people work on airport property, with fewer than 10% involved in moving passengers — the rest are in aerospace manufacturing and logistics, making an average of $65,000 annually.
Our airport is already home to major success stories that prove we can attract and retain world-class aerospace companies. Boom Supersonic completed construction of its Overture Superfactory at PTI — the first supersonic airliner factory in the United States — creating more than 2,400 jobs over the next 20 years. Honda Aircraft Company has operated its global headquarters and manufacturing facility at PTI since 2006, where it produces the innovative HondaJet and is expanding to develop the new HondaJet 2600.
Other major aerospace companies at PTI include Haeco Americas (which provides maintenance and repair services for Boeing and Airbus aircraft), Cessna’s service center, and FedEx’s Mid-Atlantic hub, which occupies 593,000 square feet. This isn’t just economic development—it’s a proven aerospace ecosystem that continues to attract the world’s most innovative companies.
JetZero is developing a “blended wing” aircraft that is 50% more fuel efficient and offers more personal space for passengers. The company has partnered with United, Delta, and Alaska Airlines. The company projects its airplane will be ready for the first demonstrator test flight in 2027 and commercial flight service by 2030.
The aviation publication Leeham News & Analysis has reported that the proposed JetZero plant will be on a 1,000-acre site with a building about the size of Boeing’s widebody plant in Everett, Washington — large enough to fit all of Disneyland or 75 American football fields inside. At full production, the factory would produce about 20 airplanes per month.
This isn’t just about one company — it’s about positioning Greensboro as the global leader in next-generation aviation technology. As UNC business professor John Kasarda notes, “Once you reach a critical mass, which they have there, this tends to have a multiplicative effect, and then it has a momentum of its own.”
Our region has everything JetZero needs to succeed. We have a highly skilled workforce strengthened by excellent technical schools and universities. PTI has about 800 acres of aviation-ready land across Interstate 73 from Boom, including a former golf course already graded for development, with an aircraft taxiway connecting it to the main airport campus.
Over the past two decades, the Triad has been a magnet for aviation companies, with companies in the sector creating thousands of jobs that pay well above the county average. We’ve proven we can support major aerospace manufacturers through their entire lifecycle—from startup to global production.
Most importantly, we have the right leadership and partnerships in place. State and local economic development organizations have scheduled what they described as a major economic development announcement on Thursday at Piedmont Triad International Airport, showing the coordinated effort between all levels of government to make this happen.
This potential JetZero project represents exactly the kind of transformative opportunity that could define Greensboro’s next chapter. With policies that support smart growth, streamline development processes, and prepare our workforce for tomorrow’s jobs, we can ensure that projects like this don’t just land here — they thrive here for generations.
I’m running for City Council because I believe Greensboro is just getting started, and I want to help lead us into this next era of unprecedented growth. My 45 years of business experience have taught me how to work with investors, navigate complex deals, and deliver results that benefit entire communities.
This Thursday’s meetings aren’t just about one company or one project — they’re about proving that Greensboro has the vision, leadership, and commitment to seize transformational opportunities when they arise.
We can’t afford to miss this moment. Let’s seize it — together.
Ready to help build Greensboro’s future? Support my campaign to bring experienced, results-driven leadership to the City Council. Every dollar helps us build the infrastructure, policies, and partnerships needed to attract more game-changing projects like JetZero.
If you believe in a future where Greensboro thrives through jobs, innovation, and accountability, please consider donating to Nicky’s campaign today. Even a $20 contribution can help us drive real change and keep our city moving forward.
