ELIZABETHTOWN, NC—Italian manufacturer Vulcanair Aircraft is opening a new assembly plant here to make training aircraft for U.S. flight schools and aviation programs. Construction of the 40,000-square-foot plant began in January 2025 and the grand opening is planned for Sept. 1.

The plant will serve as the North American assembly site for the Vulcanair V1.0—a high-wing, cost-effective training aircraft currently produced in Naples, Italy. Once the plant is up and running, it could produce up to 100 aircraft per year.

Vulcanair will begin hiring in late May for key leadership roles. It will then begin recruiting production staff in June. Vulcanair says it will give hiring priority to military veterans.