Natilus to build Kona freighters at first U.S. facility

A site selection process is under way for a 250,000 square foot plant with future plans to expand Horizon production in second phase.

Natilus has started selecting the location for its first U.S. manufacturing site, where it will produce its Kona regional freighter. The Kona is the world’s first commercial blended-wing-body cargo aircraft, designed for extreme conditions and offering 30% lower fuel consumption, 40% more volume and 50% fewer carbon emissions.

Once built, the 250,000 sq ft plant will produce 60 aircraft per year and employ 300 people in aerospace, propulsion, engineering and testing. The Horizon passenger aircraft, which will seat 200 people, is scheduled for a second site planned to open in the early 2030s, creating 3,000 more jobs.

“By manufacturing the world's first commercial blended-wing-body aircraft domestically, we hope to strengthen the U.S.'s position in the aviation industry,” says Nolan Giblin, Head of Business Development at Natilus. “This is the first of several moves Natilus has planned in its larger roadmap to supply major airlines with a more sustainable and cost-effective aircraft.”

For its first site, Natilus is focusing on U.S. locations with strong incentive programmes, long runways, unrestricted airspace and close access to suppliers. Discussions are also ongoing with international partners for a second facility, including in the UAE, India and Saudi Arabia.