Long Beach Airport has secured a future in aerospace innovation, penning a 30-year lease agreement with JetZero, Inc., the forward-looking aircraft design company known for its next-generation concepts. According to a recent press release from the City of Long Beach, the contract promises long-term growth and job creation within the community, ensuring that Long Beach sustains its role as a key player in the aviation industry.
The deal comes after the unanimous approval by the Long Beach City Council and will grant JetZero 16.5 acres at the airport for their operations, Mayor Rex Richardson, touting the city's history with aviation pointed out that with JetZero's commitment, they are "doubling down on that history and carrying that tradition forward" in a statement obtained by the City of Long Beach. JetZero CEO Tom O’Leary echoed the sentiment, affirming the company's dedication to maintaining its Design Center in Long Beach, an integral part of their plan to redefine what's possible in aviation.
Under the new lease terms, JetZero is set to embark on a $50 million transformation of the LGB campus, which includes state-of-the-art facilities such as a two-story atrium entrance, a Customer Experience Center, and amenities geared towards enhancing the well-being of their growing workforce. Fourth District Councilman Daryl Supernaw told the City of Long Beach that JetZero's investment confirms the city is where "the future of flight belongs," a sentiment aligning with Long Beach's storied aviation history.
JetZero is not just investing in facilities but also in cutting-edge technology, evidenced by their pioneering all-wing airplane design first established in their Long Beach Design Center back in October 2023, despite planning a production facility in North Carolina, Long Beach remains their hub for advanced concepts, creating a robust nexus for sustainable and efficient aviation in the heart of Space Beach.
Long Beach Airport Director Cynthia Guidry emphasized the importance of the lease agreement for the local aerospace sector, stating, "This long-term lease secures JetZero’s future here at Long Beach Airport and highlights the unique environment we provide for aerospace companies to thrive" as per the information provided by the City of Long Beach. The airport, acclaimed as the second-best in the nation by The Washington Post, continues to serve as a central transportation hub between Los Angeles and Orange counties, now poised for further elevation with JetZero's commitment cemented until at least 2059.
