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JetZero to Invest $4.7 Billion Over 10 Years in North Carolina HQ and Production Facility

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JetZero, a U.S. aircraft startup backed by United Airlines and Alaska Airlines, announced plans to invest $4.7 billion over the next decade to build a production facility and headquarters in North Carolina. The company aims to manufacture its 250-seat Z4 blended wing body aircraft at a site near Greensboro, the state said on Thursday.

As part of the deal, JetZero will receive more than $1.1 billion in state performance incentives paid over nearly 40 years. These incentives depend on the company creating over 14,000 jobs in North Carolina between 2027 and 2036. Additionally, JetZero will benefit from $450 million in infrastructure improvements to the Piedmont Triad International Airport, supported by city and county incentives.

JetZero holds a conditional order from United Airlines for up to 100 fuel-efficient aircraft, with options for another 100. The company joins other aviation startups expanding in the U.S. South, including supersonic jet maker Boom, which recently opened a facility at the same airport.

The region’s aerospace growth is driven by strong demand for aircraft, lower costs compared to traditional manufacturing hubs, and increasing efforts to develop environmentally friendly planes. However, recruiting experienced labor remains a challenge in the capital-intensive aviation industry, where startups often face high entry barriers and financial pressures.

United Airlines to Launch Starlink In-Flight Internet by Spring

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United Airlines (UAL.O) announced that it plans to begin testing Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service in February, with plans to offer connectivity on commercial flights operated by Embraer (EMBR3.SA) E-175 aircraft starting this spring. The airline aims to equip its entire regional fleet with Starlink by the end of 2025 and have its first Starlink-enabled planes on major routes by the year’s close.

While Starlink will be available on all flights in the future, access will be free for MileagePlus members, marking a shift from the airline’s initial plan to offer free Wi-Fi to all passengers. United had signed a deal with SpaceX’s Starlink last year to provide in-flight internet services across its fleet, which includes over 1,000 aircraft. Starlink has also secured deals with other airlines like Hawaiian Airlines and regional carrier JSX as part of its strategy to expand beyond rural consumer markets.

New International Airport in Nuuk Set to Boost Greenland’s Tourism

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Greenland, long known for its vast icy landscapes and remote location, is about to become much more accessible with the opening of its new international airport in the capital city of Nuuk on November 28. This new airport features a 2,200-meter (7,217-foot) runway that will allow larger planes to connect the Arctic region with the rest of the world, reducing its isolation.

Starting in June, United Airlines will offer seasonal nonstop flights from Newark, New Jersey, to Nuuk, with the flight taking just over four hours. This marks a significant step forward in Greenland’s tourism potential, already drawing around 130,000 visitors each year via cruise ships and smaller flights. Officials are optimistic about growing visitor numbers while aiming to manage the influx carefully to avoid overwhelming the region.

Before the new airport’s opening, travelers could only fly into smaller airports like Kangerlussuaq or Narsarsuaq, both former U.S. military bases from World War II that could accommodate larger planes. The new Nuuk airport will serve as a hub for Air Greenland, which will operate Airbus A330neo flights to Copenhagen and other destinations, including Reykjavik, Iceland. The facility is designed to handle up to 800 passengers an hour.

Jens Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports, believes the new airport will significantly boost tourism and the local economy. He estimates each flight could contribute $200,000 to Greenland’s economy. Lauridsen reminds potential visitors that Greenland offers a unique and adventurous tourism experience, as it is located in the Arctic.

Qupanuk Olsen, Greenland’s most prominent content creator with over 400,000 YouTube followers, is particularly excited about the new airport and plans to be on the first flight arriving at Nuuk. “It’s going to be amazing,” she says.

Anne Nivíka Grødem, CEO of Visit Greenland, sees the new airport as a milestone for the country’s tourism sector. “Tourism can drive meaningful change,” she notes, emphasizing the need to balance local opportunities with sustainable growth.

In addition to the Nuuk airport, Greenland is set to open two more airports by the end of 2026, in Ilulissat and Qaqortoq. Despite having only about 56 miles (90 kilometers) of paved roads, Greenland’s new airports will make travel within the country more accessible, helping to open up the region and offer a transformative experience for both locals and tourists.

“We want visitors to come with an open mind and a spirit of adventure,” says Grødem. “Greenland offers a chance to reconnect with nature and yourself.”