Boom Supersonic broke ground in 2022 on their new full-scale manufacturing Overture Superfactory in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Given the area’s rich history and involvement with aviation, the decision made a lot of sense. But there were several reasons why the Colorado-based aviation organization, known for designing supersonic airliners, selected the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro as the site of its first manufacturing facility.

Here’s why the move is a big deal for the local area and Greensboro College—and how it could impact the future of aviation.

What Is Boom Supersonic?

Boom Supersonic is a company building the world’s fastest and most sustainable supersonic airliner. They are headquartered in Englewood, Colorado and employ around 150 people. In January 2022, the company announced they had chosen Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina as the site of their new full-scale manufacturing facility.

“Today’s groundbreaking for the Overture Superfactory represents a significant step forward in building sustainable and accessible supersonic travel for the world,” said Kathy Savitt, President of Boom Supersonic on the day of the launch.

What Does Boom Supersonic Do?

Boom Supersonic creates high-speed and sustainable supersonic airliners. Their goal, as stated on Boom’s website, is to make the world dramatically more accessible by cutting down travel times and making it easier, more affordable, and more eco-friendly to travel around the globe.

Currently, they are partnered with American Airlines, United Airlines, Japan Airlines and several of the world’s leading military technology providers.

Why Did Boom Supersonic Move to Greensboro?

North Carolina offers a skilled workforce, close proximity to major aviation hubs, and a strong history of aerospace manufacturing. All these factors made Piedmont Triad International Airport a perfect location for Boom Supersonic.

Here’s what they said in their official announcement:

“North Carolina offers Boom an optimal location for its manufacturing facility thanks to its strong aerospace workforce, which includes a large number of U.S. military veterans. North Carolina also affords good access to technical schools, providing Boom with a pipeline of skilled labor.”

Historically, North Carolina’s government has provided incentives to aerospace companies, including tax breaks and infrastructure improvements. For example, Granville-County-based Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing received $1.3 million in tax incentives in 2019 to expand their facility.

What Boom Supersonic in Greensboro Means for the Future of Aviation

The development of a supersonic passenger aircraft has the potential to transform air travel by making it faster and more efficient. This will open up new possibilities for businesses, tourism, and personal travel. Here’s what it means for Greensboro and the future of aviation.

1. More Local Partnerships

Boom signed a 40-year lease and is currently building on more than 61 acres of land. With nearly 200 aerospace companies in the Greensboro-High Point area, it’s likely more partnerships will be formed in the coming years.

In fact, the company mentioned it as one of the reasons they chose North Carolina in their announcement.

“The Piedmont Triad area is in close proximity to many tier-one aerospace suppliers, benefiting Boom as Overture production ramps,” they wrote on their website.

Boom Supersonic already partners with several aerospace companies in the southeastern United States. Florida Turbine Technologies located in Jupiter, FL develops gas turbines for the company.

2. A Plethora of Opportunities for Triad Workforce Employers and Employees

By reducing travel time, supersonic travel will help reduce the carbon footprint of air travel. It will also make air travel more efficient by reducing congestion at airports and improving the overall travel experience for passengers.

To support their efforts, Boom received about $130 million in government incentives to invest $500 million to build Overture at PTI.

Boom Supersonic will lean heavily on the skilled local workforce and infrastructure necessary to develop and manufacture aircraft—and Greensboro College has educational opportunities to meet the needs of its local workforce.

Greensboro College’s Innovation and Workforce Development program also launched in 2022 and offers amazing opportunities for local students interested in a fulfilling career in aerospace.

 12 different professional online certificates are available, including:

• Aerospace Electrical Assembly Technician
• Advanced Manufacturing Production Technician
• Aerospace Quality Technician
• Aerospace Structures Technician

“The aviation industry is so diverse in terms of the workforce – for instance, one company may need to hire industrial engineers, inspectors and testers, supervisors, project managers, data management specialists, and salespeople,” said Geoffrey Roche when the program launched. Geoffrey is the senior vice president for workforce partnerships at Greensboro College.

3. Economic Growth In the Region

North Carolina economists estimate the Overture Superfactory will grow the state’s economy by at least $32.3 billion over 20 years.

Additionally, supersonic travel has the potential to open new markets for airlines and drive economic growth in regions that are currently underserved by air travel.

The company anticipates bringing more than 1,750 jobs to North Carolina by 2030 and 2,400 jobs by 2032 at an average minimum annual salary of $68,000.

Learn more about the advanced manufacturing & aerospace online certificate programs at Greensboro College.