< PreviousNorth Carolina off ers the ideal combination of talent, infrastructure and forward-thinking leadership to support our mission to reshape aviation.” Tom O’Leary , CEO and co-founder, JetZero 48 JULY 2025 SITE SELECTION SITE SELECTION JULY 2025 49 “North Carolina offers the ideal combination of talent, infrastructure and forward-thinking leadership to support our mission to reshape aviation,” said Tom O’Leary, CEO and co-founder of JetZero, announcing the project. JetZero is taking a clean-sheet approach to designing and building the factory, according to a company release. “Working with Siemens including their Smart Infrastructure, Electrification, and Automation divisions, headquartered in North Carolina, JetZero is designing the greenfield factory to leverage the latest digital and industrial AI tools to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective production and operating model,” it explains. “Siemens also supports JetZero’s design/build/test model for the Demonstrator aircraft, a full-scale prototype slated for first flight in 2027. Siemens tools enable accelerated design, adaptable manufacturing, and digital test, shaving years of development time while upholding the highest quality and safety standards.” Why an all-wing design? JetZero says the Z4 will deliver up to 50% better fuel efficiency with lift provided by the entire wingspan and lower drag compared to a tube & wing airplane. The Z4 airplane is designed to accommodate 250 passengers and fly on conventional jet fuel, with propulsion systems able to use sustainable aviation fuel blends, according to the company. United Airlines has ordered 100 of the aircraft with an option for an additional 100. Alaska Airlines is investing in JetZero in a deal that includes options for future aircraft orders. And Delta Air Lines is partnering with JetZero as its Sustainable Skies Lab works on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Electric Flight Company Moves to California Meanwhile, Heart Aerospace, which is developing a hybrid-electric regional airliner, is pulling up stakes from its base in Gothenburg, Sweden, and establishing its new headquarters in Los Angeles, the company announced in April. The company has 250 firm orders for its ES-30 aircraft, which is scheduled JetZero will build its Z4 all-wing commercial airliner in a new facility at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina. Rendering courtesy of JetZero50 JULY 2025 SITE SELECTION to enter passenger production by the end of the decade. Its Heart X prototype is undergoing testing, and its X prototype is in development. “We are deeply grateful to our team in Sweden for being part of this chapter of Heart’s journey, and for all the support we have received in Sweden,” said Anders Forslund, co-founder and CEO, announcing the headquarters relocation. “However, as our customers, partners and investors are increasingly based in the U.S, we see greater opportunity in focusing our resources here. By consolidating our operations in Los Angeles, we can accelerate development, strengthen collaboration and better position Heart Aerospace for the future.” e company is banking on reinvigorating regional air travel by making it signifi cantly less expensive for carriers that today mainly use regional By consolidating our operations in Los Angeles, we can accelerate development, strengthen collaboration and better position Heart Aerospace for the future.” — Anders Forslund , Co-founder and CEO, Heart Aerospace By consolidating our operations in Los Angeles, we can accelerate The windowless Phantom 3500 jet is being developed by Otto Aviation. Photo courtesy of Otto Aviation52 JULY 2025 SITE SELECTION jet aircraft on short flights. It says battery-electric aircraft such as the ES- 30 will reduce total industry emissions by 22% by 2050. How far can it fly? An electric ES-30 carrying 30 passengers will have a range of about 120 miles. A hybrid-electric version with 30 on board will fly up to nearly 250 miles or nearly 500 miles with 25 passengers. In May 2024, Heart Aerospace picked Los Angeles as the location of its R&D hub. Northern Florida Adds Aerospace Investment The Jacksonville Florida Times-Union reported on May 19 that aerospace startup Otto Aviation may build a manufacturing facility and headquarters at Cecil Airport, a former Navy airfield. The company currently is based in Fort Worth, Texas. The company is developing the windowless Phantom 3500, which the company says is “the first true aircraft of the sustainability era. Featuring an AI- supported clean sheet design, transonic super-laminar flow architecture, cutting- edge aerodynamics, and a spacious cabin, the Phantom 3500 delivers unmatched fuel efficiency, reduced operating costs, and dramatically lower emissions, without compromising luxury or performance.” In February 2024, Boeing opened its expanded maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at Cecil Airport where F/A-18 Super Hornets, KC-46 tankers and other aircraft are maintained. The aerospace giant invested $248 million in the 385,000-sq.- ft. facility. Elsewhere in northern Florida, the governor’s office on May 29 announced a more than $1 billion project in Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. opened its expanded aircraft completions operations at St. Louis Downtown Airport on May 1. Photo courtesy of Gulfstream AerospaceNext >