News Summary
Otto Aerospace has announced that Jacksonville will be the site for its new Phantom 3500 business aircraft manufacturing facility, with Flexjet as the launch customer for 300 jets. The groundbreaking deal marks a significant step towards sustainable aviation, featuring advanced fuel-efficient technology. The initiative, expected to create around 1,200 jobs, is supported by substantial investment and incentives from local authorities, highlighting the city’s growing role in the aviation sector.
Jacksonville has been chosen as the site for a significant advancement in aviation with Otto Aerospace announcing Flexjet as the launch customer for its Phantom 3500 business aircraft. This announcement was made on September 29, as Flexjet has officially placed an order for 300 Phantom 3500 jets, set to be manufactured at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville. The Phantom 3500 is notable for its carbon-fiber construction and innovative laminar-flow aerodynamics, which contribute to a substantial reduction in fuel consumption by over 60%.
This deal marks one of the largest orders in private aviation history and highlights a pivotal shift towards more sustainable air travel solutions within the industry. Otto Aerospace’s CEO emphasized that the order signifies a major step towards efficient and environmentally-friendly aviation. Flexjet, based in Cleveland, operates a fractional ownership and leasing system, with a fleet featuring aircraft from manufacturers such as Embraer, Bombardier, and Gulfstream, along with Sikorsky S-76 helicopters.
Investment and Job Creation
The establishment of a manufacturing and production facility at Cecil Airport is planned for June 2025 as part of Otto Aerospace’s expansion, which is relocating its headquarters from Texas to Jacksonville. The Jacksonville City Council has approved a $20 million incentive package to support this initiative, comprising a 20-year, 75% Recapture Enhanced Value Grant. The overall investment by Otto in Jacksonville is projected to be around $430 million, with an additional incentive package of $34.9 million provided by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority.
The relocation is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits to the local community, creating an estimated 1,200 jobs in the process. Otto will commence operations from Hangar 825 at Cecil before constructing a new 180,000-square-foot facility for the Phantom 3500. Additionally, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority has solicited qualifications for a consultant to supervise the upcoming $22.5 million extension of Taxiway E at Cecil Airport.
Aircraft Specifications and Features
Set to commence its first test flight in 2027, the Phantom 3500 aims for certification and initial deliveries by 2030. The aircraft is engineered to achieve net-zero carbon emissions at its entry into service, ahead of the aviation industry’s overall goal of reaching this milestone by 2050. With a transonic super-laminar flow architecture and an artificial intelligence-supported clean-sheet design, the Phantom 3500 promises to be both lightweight and remarkably efficient.
The aircraft will feature a spacious cabin accommodating up to nine passengers, a cabin height of 6.5 feet, a maximum speed exceeding 600 mph, and a range of approximately 3,500 nautical miles. The design includes innovative high-definition digital displays known as “Super Natural Vision,” which replace traditional windows to optimize overall efficiency.
Partnership and Future Operations
As an integral part of its collaboration with Flexjet, Otto Aerospace will allow Flexjet’s maintenance division to operate as an authorized service center for the Phantom 3500, ensuring ongoing support for clients. With this monumental partnership and the commitment to a more sustainable future, Otto Aerospace is charting a course that could redefine air travel efficiency and environmental responsibility in the aviation sector.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jacksonville City Council Approves Funding for Otto Aviation Facility
Jacksonville Welcomes Otto Aviation’s New Headquarters and Jet Production Facility
Jacksonville Invests in Aerospace Future with Otto Aviation
Otto Aviation Chooses Jacksonville for New Manufacturing Facility
Otto Aviation to Establish $430 Million Facility in Jacksonville
Additional Resources
- Jax Daily Record
- Wikipedia: Phantom 3500
- Manufacturing Dive
- Google Search: Otto Aerospace
- Jacksonville.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aviation
- Aviation Week
- Google Scholar: Aviation Sustainability
- Corporate Jet Investor
- Google News: Business Aviation
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
