News

Otto Aviation, a Texas-based aviation company known for its innovation in fuel-efficient aircraft, has officially selected Jacksonville as the location for its new manufacturing and production facility. The company plans to invest up to $430 million in two phases at Cecil Airport, which includes the construction of a state-of-the-art facility to produce its “next-generation” Phantom 3500 aircraft as well as the relocation of its headquarters from Fort Worth to Jacksonville.

Last month, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA)’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a $34.9 million package of investments and incentives for the manufacturing facility. Yesterday, the Jacksonville City Council approved a Revenue Enhancement Value (REV) grant for up to $20 million.

“We are about to create one of the greatest aerospace companies that the history of aerospace has seen here in Jacksonville out at Cecil Field,” Otto Aviation President and Chief Operating Officer Scott Drennan told council after its vote. “We have a revolutionary aircraft that’s going to create wonderful jobs for the folks down on the shop floor all the way up to the engineers and the executives.”

With all the funding pieces now in place, JAA and Otto executed an agreement for Otto to temporarily lease a former Boeing Co. hangar at Cecil Airport. Construction of the new facility to produce its Phantom 3500 aircraft on 80 to 100 acres of vacant land at the airfield is expected to begin in 2027.  Coupled with Otto’s development plans for the eastside, it represents the largest investment and potential job creator for any new development, or tenant, in JAA history.

“The City Council’s approval of this investment demonstrates our community’s commitment to fostering innovative aviation businesses that create jobs and economic opportunities for our residents,” said JAA CEO Mark VanLoh. “We’re excited to welcome Otto Aviation to Cecil Airport and look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on our region.”

The Otto Aviation contract is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the Jacksonville region, including job creation, increased tax revenue and enhanced aviation capabilities at Cecil Airport. The agreement aligns with the strategic visions of JAA and JAXUSA Partnership to position Jacksonville as a premier aviation destination in the Southeast.

“Otto Aviation’s decision to establish their manufacturing and production facilities here in Jacksonville reinforces the region’s standing as a leader in the aerospace industry,” said JAXUSA President Aundra Wallace. “We look forward to supporting their growth and long-term success in Northeast Florida.”