JetZero’s Arrival Sparks New Opportunities for Martinsville
06/18/2025
Written by Peyton Nibblett, Assistant to City Manager and Deputy City Clerk
In a historic economic development move, aerospace innovator JetZero has announced it will build its global headquarters and first manufacturing facility at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro. The $4.7 billion investment marks the largest job creation project in North Carolina’s history, expected to generate over 14,500 high-paying jobs by 2036. (Reuters, Associated Press)
JetZero, a California-based startup launched in 2021, is revolutionizing air travel with its blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft design. Unlike conventional tube-and-wing jets, the company’s flagship Z4 aircraft merges the fuselage and wings into one seamless structure, offering up to 50% fuel savings, a quieter passenger experience, and the flexibility to transition to hydrogen or sustainable aviation fuels in the future. (JetZero, United Airlines, AIN Online)
What does this mean for Martinsville?
As JetZero begins shaping the future of aviation with its cutting-edge blended-wing-body aircraft, the demand for skilled workers in engineering, advanced manufacturing, and logistics is expected to surge across the region. Martinsville is well-positioned to help meet that demand, thanks to its strong workforce development programs and close proximity to the Triad.
Ready and Prepared Workforce
Local institutions such as Patrick & Henry Community College and the New College Institute offer robust technical and trade programs that will play a critical role in preparing residents for careers in aerospace, composite manufacturing, and aircraft maintenance.
PHCC Highlights:
Mechatronics & Industrial Automation: Hands-on skills in robotics and control systems, critical for aerospace manufacturing automation.
Precision Machining Technology: CNC operation and fabrication skills essential for aircraft parts.
Welding and Fabrication Technology: Training that meets aerospace-grade welding standards.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD): 2D/3D modeling skills vital to designing aerodynamic components.
NCI Highlights:
Engineering & Technology Pathways: Bachelor’s degrees in mechanical, electrical engineering, and computer science relevant to aerospace systems.
Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing: Cutting-edge fabrication technologies shaping the future of aerospace production.
Cybersecurity and Data Analytics: Preparing workers for the software-driven aerospace sector, including defense applications.
Commuter Culture: An Opportunity for Growth
Martinsville’s close location to Greensboro places it squarely within a dynamic commuter zone. Many residents travel daily to Greensboro for work, shopping, and services, which presents a promising opportunity for our local economy—capitalizing on commuter-heavy traffic. Martinsville, VA is a true commuter city, with approximately 7,000 residents traveling every day for employment. Being able to capture even a portion of the spending these commuters currently take outside our community can unlock significant economic growth.
Business Tips for Capitalizing on Commuter Cultures
1. Align Operating Hours with Commuter Schedules
Early Opening & Late Closing: Open early (6–7 AM) to catch morning commuters grabbing coffee, breakfast, or quick essentials. Stay open later (7–9 PM) to serve evening commuters stopping for dinner, groceries, or errands.
Weekday Focus: Prioritize Monday through Friday hours, when commuter traffic is at its peak.
2. Stores that Might See an Uptick in Commuter Traffic
Convenience Retail: Coffee shops, quick-service restaurants, grab-and-go grocery or specialty food stores.
Service-Oriented Businesses: Dry cleaners, fitness centers, package pickup/drop-off, automotive services (oil change, car wash).
Health and Wellness: Pharmacies, urgent care clinics, or wellness centers that commuters can access easily.
Specialty Retail: Local artisan shops, gift stores, or boutique retailers offering unique finds not easily available in Greensboro.
3. Use Clear, Attractive Signage
High Visibility: Large, well-lit signs visible from major roads and highways to catch commuter attention at speed.
Directional & Informational: Signs that clearly show store entrances, parking availability, and special promotions.
Brand Consistency: Consistent color schemes and logos help commuters quickly recognize trusted businesses.
4. Enhance Convenience & Speed of Service
Mobile Ordering & Pick-Up: Encourage mobile or online ordering to reduce wait times for busy commuters.
Efficient Layouts: Store designs that enable quick in-and-out shopping or dining experiences.
Parking Accessibility: Easy parking options close to entrances help attract commuters on tight schedules.
5. Foster Community Connection
Loyalty Programs: Incentivize repeat visits with commuter-focused rewards (e.g., “Early Bird” discounts or commuter specials).
Local Events: Host pop-ups or small events timed with peak commuter hours to build awareness and foot traffic.
What's Martinsville's Plan: Development Ready City
Martinsville’s established industrial base, competitive operating costs, and available land parcels provide a strong foundation for attracting aerospace suppliers eager to join JetZero’s expanding production ecosystem. Many Tier 1 and Tier 2 aerospace manufacturers seek locations offering not only proximity to major facilities but also cost efficiencies, a skilled workforce, and reliable infrastructure. Martinsville meets all these criteria, positioning itself as an ideal destination for companies looking to expand or relocate operations.
City officials and economic development staff are proactively advancing Martinsville as a supplier-friendly hub by improving transportation networks, including road and rail access, to ensure efficient logistics and distribution. Simultaneously, the city is working to expand affordable housing options to support the anticipated influx of workers and their families, fostering a welcoming community where people can live and work comfortably.
Leaders are actively exploring partnerships and initiatives to enhance transportation links, housing availability, and workforce training programs, all in preparation for the expected economic growth sparked by JetZero and its aerospace supply chain.
Sources
Reuters.
"Aircraft Startup JetZero to Invest $4.7 Billion Over Decade in North Carolina HQ." Reuters, 12 June 2025, www.reuters.com/technology/aircraft-startup-jetzero-invest-47-bln-over-decade-north-carolina-hq-2025-06-12/.
Associated Press.
"JetZero Project Expected to Create 14,500 Jobs in North Carolina." AP News, 12 June 2025, apnews.com/article/fdb49ed6c9d38981765ef1f421e3357a.
JetZero.
"JetZero: Our Aircraft." JetZero, 2025, www.jetzero.aero/.
United Airlines.
"United Airlines Invests in JetZero’s Blended Wing Body Aircraft." JetZero, 2025, www.jetzero.aero/united-investment-announcement.
AIN Online.
"JetZero’s Blended-Wing-Body Airliner Nears Critical Design." AIN Online, 16 June 2025, www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-06-16/jetzeros-blended-wing-body-airliner-nears-critical-design.
ArXiv.
Smith, John et al. “Hydrogen as a Sustainable Fuel for Aviation: Feasibility and Benefits.” ArXiv, 2025, arxiv.org/abs/2412.15137.