Latest news with #Z4
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
HBCU at the Epicenter of $4.7 Billion Aerospace Investment
Greensboro, N.C. – JetZero has announced a $4.7 billion investment to build a next-generation aviation production facility at Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) in Greensboro, North Carolina. The move will create more than 14,500 new jobs, making it the largest job announcement in the state's history. At the center of this groundbreaking development is North Carolina A&T, the nation's largest HBCU. JetZero's facility will produce the Z4, a revolutionary commercial aircraft with an all-wing design. The plane seats 250 passengers and offers up to 50% improved fuel efficiency compared to current models. The factory will be powered by artificial intelligence and digital systems to improve speed, lower costs, and ensure high-quality production. The company's headquarters will move from Long Beach, California, to Greensboro once the site is operational. Groundbreaking is expected in the first half of 2026. JetZero plans to deliver its first commercial aircraft by the early 2030s. But it's not just about building airplanes. This investment will reshape education, innovation, and workforce development, starting with North Carolina A&T. N.C. A&T plays a vital role in this project. The university is the top producer of African American engineering graduates in the country. The Department of Mechanical Engineering even offers an aerospace option for undergraduates. This makes it a perfect partner in developing a skilled talent pipeline for JetZero. Chancellor James R. Martin II emphasized the university's impact: This fall, N.C. A&T will also launch the state's first Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence. The degree includes two tracks: Advanced AI Systems, offered by the College of Engineering, and Applied AI, offered through the College of Science and Technology. JetZero will partner with local institutions, such as Guilford Technical Community College, and others in the region to create customized training programs. These efforts aim to prepare workers quickly and effectively for roles at the new facility. Jobs at the plant are expected to pay an average salary of over $89,000 per year. That's a major boost for the local economy-and a powerful incentive for students, especially those coming from HBCUs and community colleges. John Loyack, vice president of economic development for the North Carolina Community College System, said: The state offers a potent mix of talent, business incentives, and infrastructure. With a labor force of 5.5 million, over 49,000 engineers, and more than 30,000 STEM degrees awarded each year, North Carolina has the workforce JetZero needs. The state also has the lowest corporate tax rate in the country at just 2.25%, with a cost of living below the national average. Add in renewable energy leadership and bipartisan support for sustainability, and it's clear why JetZero made the move. N.C. A&T's involvement shows how HBCUs are driving the future of innovation. The university has already helped attract global brands, including Boom Supersonic, Honda, Toyota, Corning, and Merck, to North Carolina. Governor Josh Stein summed it up best: The JetZero project proves that HBCUs are not only educating the next generation-they're shaping the industries of tomorrow, with N.C. A&T at the epicenter of this aerospace boom, the future looks bright for students, researchers, and the state as a whole. The post HBCU at the Epicenter of $4.7 Billion Aerospace Investment appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Time of India
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Mahindra Scorpio-N Automatic gets more affordable: Z4 AT launched at 17.4 lakh
Mahindra & Mahindra has launched a new, more affordable automatic variant of the Scorpio-N. The six-speed automatic gearbox is now available with the Z4 trim, which is positioned one level above the entry-level Z2 variant, and is priced at ₹17.40 lakh for the petrol and ₹17.86 lakh for the diesel (both prices, ex-showroom). Previously, the automatic variants of this Mahindra SUV were introduced from the Z6 diesel trim, priced at Rs 18.91 lakh, and the Z8 Select petrol variant, which started at Rs 19.06 lakh. In comparison, the newly launched Scorpio Z4 automatic versions come in at a lower price point—offering a cost advantage of Rs 1.05 lakh over the diesel Z6 and Rs 1.67 lakh compared to the petrol Z8 Select. Interested customers can book this new AT trim by visiting their nearest dealership, deliveries are expected to begin soon. Talking about the engine, as mentioned before the Scorpio-N gets two engine options - a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol engine that puts out 203hp and 370Nm via a 6-speed manual transmission. The same engine produces 10Nm of extra torque when paired to the 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Another engine is the 2.2-litre, mHawk turbo diesel which puts out 132hp of power and 300Nm torque with both gearbox options. The Z4 trim comes with rear-wheel drive as standard, while those choosing the Z4 (E) diesel variant have the option to upgrade to a four-wheel drive setup, though it's only offered with a manual transmission. This 4WD version delivers an output of 175 hp and 370 Nm of torque. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Upto 15% Discount for Salaried Individuals ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo VinFast VF7, VF6 Review: Good for India or not?| TOI Auto In terms of features, the Z4 trim gets features such as steering-mounted controls, second-row AC vents, halogen headlights, LED turn indicators, LED headlamps, 17-inch wheels with m covers, a rear spoiler, power windows, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, fabric upholstery. Safety-wise, it gets front airbags, ABS with EBD, Hill Hold control, Hill descent control, ISOFIX mounts, 3-point seatbelts and more. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India .
CTV News
13-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
JetZero plans to build US$4.7B plant in North Carolina, aims to create 14,500 jobs
JetZero CEO and co-founder Tom O'Leary speaks during a ceremony on Thursday, June 12, 2025, announcing that the company will build its manufacturing facility for its future Z4 passenger jet at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, N.C. (Walt Unks/The Winston-Salem Journal via AP) GREENSBORO, N.C. — JetZero Inc. announced plans Thursday to build its first manufacturing plant for a next-generation passenger jet in central North Carolina, a project that if successful would create more than 14,500 jobs there in a decade. The California-based startup intends to build the factory at Greensboro's airport, investing $4.7 billion. The planned hirings from 2027 through 2036 would be the largest job commitment in North Carolina history, according to Gov. Josh Stein. The company previously identified Greensboro as one of three finalists for the factory to build its fixed-wing — also known as all-wing or blended-wing — Z4 aircraft, which JetZero says will be up to 50 per cent more fuel-efficient than traditional tube-and-wing airliners. JetZero has said it's already raised about $300 million toward investment in the Z4 project, including a U.S. Air Force grant to build and fly a demonstrator model by 2027. United Airlines and Alaska Airlines also are project investors and have made conditional purchase agreements for their fleets, the company said. JetZero aims for the planes to go into service in the early 2030s, with a goal of completing 20 airplanes per month at full production. Stein, on hand with JetZero executives and other officials for the formal announcement at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, cited North Carolina's robust aerospace industry and the first manned powered flights at Kitty Hawk by the Wright brothers in 1903. 'North Carolina is the perfect location,' Stein said. 'North Carolina was first in flight. We are also the future of flight.' The jobs would pay minimum average salaries of more than $89,000, according to the state Department of Commerce, which provided details of the project discussed earlier Thursday by a state committee that awards economic incentives. State and local monetary and training incentives for JetZero and the project described at the committee meeting could exceed $2.35 billion by the 2060s if investment and job-creation thresholds and other requirements are met. A portion of state incentives awarded by the committee — more than $1 billion over 37 years — is based on a percentage of income taxes withheld from plant workers' paychecks. The incentives also include up to $785 million from Guilford County and Greensboro and up to $450 million from the General Assembly in part to help with infrastructure, officials said. The project includes a research facility for composite structures. A commerce department official said that JetZero, headquartered in Long Beach, California, looked for over a year for a plant location, examining 25 sites in 17 states. JetZero, currently with just 225 workers, enters a jet purchasing market dominated by industry behemoths U.S.-based Boeing and European Airbus. 'We have already shown strong commercial interest and momentum to meet the real airline demand for this aircraft,' CEO Tom O'Leary said. 'So this is more than just a factory. It's a launchpad for a new chapter of American aerospace.' While a variant of the Z4 would have tanker and transport uses in the military, JetZero has said that it would focus first on building a commercial jetliner with about 250 seats and a range of 5,000 nautical miles. The five-year-old company says the plane's shape will reduce drag and the mounting of engines on the top and back of the plane will make it much quieter than traditional airliners. The Z4 would run on conventional jet fuel but could be converted to hydrogen fuel, according to JetZero. JetZero says Z4 travelers will board through larger doors and into shorter but wider cabins, and aisles will be less congested as bathrooms will be far away from galleys where meals are prepared. 'It's going to deliver a better passenger experience than you've ever had before on any other plane,' O'Leary said. Stein said the state is already home to more than 400 aerospace companies. And the Piedmont Triad airport has emerged as an industry hot spot, with Honda Aircraft placing its headquarters there and Boom Supersonic building its first full-scale manufacturing plant for next-generation supersonic passenger jets. The central location and easy access to interstates also lured Toyota to build an electric battery plant in adjoining Randolph County. North Carolina's previous largest economic development project, measured by employment, was revealed in 2022, when Vietnamese automaker VinFast announced plans to build an electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Chatham County, promising 7,500 jobs.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
JetZero plans to build $4.7B plant in North Carolina, aims to create 14,500 jobs
GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — JetZero Inc. announced plans Thursday to build its first manufacturing plant for a next-generation passenger jet in central North Carolina, a project that if successful would create more than 14,500 jobs there in a decade. The California-based startup intends to build the factory at Greensboro's airport, investing $4.7 billion. The planned hirings from 2027 through 2036 would be the largest job commitment in North Carolina history, according to Gov. Josh Stein. The company previously identified Greensboro as one of three finalists for the factory to build its fixed-wing — also known as all-wing or blended-wing — Z4 aircraft, which JetZero says will be 50% more fuel-efficient than traditional tube-and-wing airliners. JetZero has said it's already received about $300 million in investment in the Z4 project, including a U.S. Air Force grant to build and fly a demonstrator model by 2027. United Airlines and Alaska Airlines also are project investors and have made conditional purchase agreements for their fleets, the company said. JetZero aims for the planes to go into service in the early 2030s, with a goal of completing 20 airplanes per month at full production. Stein, on hand with JetZero executives and other officials for the formal announcement at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, cited North Carolina's robust aerospace industry and the first manned powered flights at Kitty Hawk by the Wright brothers in 1903. 'North Carolina is the perfect location,' Stein said. 'North Carolina was first in flight. We are also the future of flight.' The jobs would pay minimum average salaries of more than $89,000, according to the state Department of Commerce, which provided details of the project earlier Thursday to a state committee that awards economic incentives. State and local monetary and training incentives for JetZero and the project described at the committee meeting could exceed $2.35 billion by the 2060s if investment and job-creation thresholds and other requirements are met. A portion of state incentives awarded by the committee — more than $1 billion over 37 years — is based on a percentage of income taxes withheld from plant workers' paychecks. The incentives also include up to $785 million from Guilford County and Greensboro and $450 million from the General Assembly to help with infrastructure, officials said. The project includes a research facility for composite structures. A commerce department official said that JetZero, headquartered in Long Beach, California, looked for over a year for a plant location, examining 25 sites in 17 states. JetZero, currently with just 225 workers, enters a jet purchasing market dominated by industry behemoths U.S.-based Boeing and European Airbus. 'We have already shown strong commercial interest and momentum to meet the real airline demand for this aircraft,' CEO Tom O'Leary said. 'So this is more than just a factory. It's a launchpad for a new chapter of American aerospace.' While a variant of the Z4 would have tanker and transport uses in the military, JetZero has said that it would focus first on building a commercial jetliner with about 250 seats and a range of 5,000 nautical miles. The 5-year-old company says the plane's shape will reduce drag and the mounting of engines on the top and back of the plane will make it much quieter than traditional airliners. The Z4 would run on conventional jet fuel but could be converted to hydrogen fuel, according to JetZero. JetZero says Z4 travelers will board through larger doors and into shorter but wider cabins, and aisles will be less congested as bathrooms will be far away from galleys where meals are prepared. 'It's going to deliver a better passenger experience than you've ever had before on any other plane,' O'Leary said. The state is already home to more than 400 aerospace companies. And the Piedmont Triad airport has emerged as an industry hot spot, with Honda Aircraft placing its headquarters there and Boom Supersonic building its first full-scale manufacturing plant for next-generation supersonic passenger jets. The central location and easy access to interstates also lured Toyota to build an electric battery plant in adjoining Randolph County. North Carolina's previous largest economic development project, measured by employment, was revealed in 2022, when Vietnamese automaker VinFast announced plans to build an electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Chatham County, promising 7,500 jobs. The Associated Press Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
12-06-2025
- Business
JetZero plans to build $4.7B plant in North Carolina, aims to create 14,500 jobs
GREENSBORO, N.C. -- GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — JetZero Inc. announced plans Thursday to build its first manufacturing plant for a next-generation passenger jet in central North Carolina, a project that if successful would create more than 14,500 jobs there in a decade. The California-based startup intends to build the factory at Greensboro's airport, investing $4.7 billion. The planned hirings from 2027 through 2036 would be the largest job commitment in North Carolina history, according to Gov. Josh Stein. The company previously identified Greensboro as one of three finalists for the factory to build its fixed-wing — also known as all-wing or blended-wing — Z4 aircraft, which JetZero says will be 50% more fuel-efficient than traditional tube-and-wing airliners. JetZero has said it's already received about $300 million in investment in the Z4 project, including a U.S. Air Force grant to build and fly a demonstrator model by 2027. United Airlines and Alaska Airlines also are project investors and have made conditional purchase agreements for their fleets, the company said. JetZero aims for the planes to go into service in the early 2030s, with a goal of completing 20 airplanes per month at full production. Stein, on hand with JetZero executives and other officials for the formal announcement at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, cited North Carolina's robust aerospace industry and the first manned powered flights at Kitty Hawk by the Wright brothers in 1903. 'North Carolina is the perfect location,' Stein said. 'North Carolina was first in flight. We are also the future of flight.' The jobs would pay minimum average salaries of more than $89,000, according to the state Department of Commerce, which provided details of the project earlier Thursday to a state committee that awards economic incentives. State and local monetary and training incentives for JetZero and the project described at the committee meeting could exceed $2.3 billion by the 2060s if investment and job-creation thresholds and other requirements are met. A portion of state incentives awarded by the committee — more than $1 billion over 37 years — is based on a percentage of income taxes withheld from plant workers' paychecks. The incentives also include up to $784 million from Guilford County and Greensboro and $450 million from the General Assembly to help with infrastructure, officials said. The project includes a research facility for composite structures. A commerce department official said that JetZero, headquartered in Long Beach, California, looked for over a year for a plant location, examining 25 sites in 17 states. JetZero, currently with just 225 workers, enters a jet purchasing market dominated by industry behemoths U.S.-based Boeing and European Airbus. 'We have already shown strong commercial interest and momentum to meet the real airline demand for this aircraft,' CEO Tom O'Leary said. 'So this is more than just a factory. It's a launchpad for a new chapter of American aerospace.' While a variant of the Z4 would have tanker and transport uses in the military, JetZero has said that it would focus first on building a commercial jetliner with about 250 seats and a range of 5,000 nautical miles. The 5-year-old company says the plane's shape will reduce drag and the mounting of engines on the top and back of the plane will make it much quieter than traditional airliners. The Z4 would run on conventional jet fuel but could be converted to hydrogen fuel, according to JetZero. JetZero says Z4 travelers will board through larger doors and into shorter but wider cabins, and aisles will be less congested as bathrooms will be far away from galleys where meals are prepared. 'It's going to deliver a better passenger experience than you've ever had before on any other plane,' O'Leary said. The state is already home to more than 400 aerospace companies. And the Piedmont Triad airport has emerged as an industry hot spot, with Honda Aircraft placing its headquarters there and Boom Supersonic building its first full-scale manufacturing plant for next-generation supersonic passenger jets. The central location and easy access to interstates also lured Toyota to build an electric battery plant in adjoining Randolph County. North Carolina's previous largest economic development project, measured by employment, was revealed in 2022, when Vietnamese automaker VinFast announced plans to build an electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Chatham County, promising 7,500 jobs.
