News Summary
Otto Aviation has selected Jacksonville as the site for its new passenger plane manufacturing plant, relocating from Texas. The project, known as ‘Project Bluebird,’ aims to create 400 jobs by 2031 and up to 1,200 by 2040. The facility, producing the Phantom 3500 business jet, will span over 600,000 square feet and is expected to enhance local economic growth. Significant funding and incentives are proposed to support this initiative, with completion anticipated by early 2032.
Jacksonville has been selected as the future site of a significant new manufacturing facility by Otto Aviation, a Texas-based startup known as “Project Bluebird.” The company plans to construct Jacksonville’s first passenger plane manufacturing plant, relocating its headquarters from Texas to the area.
Otto Aviation aims to create at least 400 high-paying jobs, with an average salary of $90,000, by the end of 2031. The potential for job growth could expand to 1,200 jobs by 2040, which would greatly benefit the local economy. The manufacturing facility is projected to span over 600,000 square feet and is scheduled for completion by January 1, 2032.
According to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA), the new plant will produce Otto Aviation’s innovative Phantom 3500 business jet, which is currently undergoing design and testing processes. The Phantom 3500’s design is notable for its lack of passenger windows, a feature aimed at improving aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
Mark VanLoh, the CEO of JAA, confirmed that Otto Aviation is likely to move its headquarters to Cecil Airport as part of this expansion. The choice of Jacksonville as the new location was influenced by the nearby expansion of Boeing’s campus, which demonstrates a ready and available workforce, in addition to Jacksonville’s ample land supply that meets the company’s requirement for 80 to 100 acres for its operations.
This initiative marks the second aviation firm to establish a passenger jet facility in Florida within a year, following Aura Aero’s announcement to set up operations in Daytona Beach. Otto Aviation’s plans include attracting suppliers to the region, which is expected to enhance local economic development within the aerospace sector.
To facilitate Otto Aviation’s move and establishment in Jacksonville, the JAA has proposed funding and incentives amounting to nearly $35 million designated for airport improvements. The Jacksonville City Council will soon vote on a proposal to offer up to $20 million in property tax rebates over the next 20 years. Furthermore, the state of Florida is exploring additional funding options through corporate tax credits and high-impact incentive grants tailored for this facility.
For infrastructure enhancement, the JAA is set to contribute $22.5 million to extend a taxiway for the company’s new facility. Additionally, Otto Aviation will benefit from substantial rent abatement incentives, including $3.73 million over the first four years for leasing an existing hangar and $7.2 million over six years for the new manufacturing plant.
The total projected investment to outfit the hangar and construct the new facility is estimated at approximately $430 million. Otto Aviation will have the right of first refusal for additional neighboring land for future expansion, potentially acquiring up to a total of 175 acres.
Otto Aviation’s Phantom 3500 is designed as a “super-midsized” aircraft that boasts impressive environmental credentials, using 60% less fuel and generating 92% fewer emissions than competing jets while comfortably seating 8-10 passengers. Research and development operations are expected to commence in Hangar 825, with test flights on the aircraft planned for early 2027 and FAA certification anticipated by 2030.
Currently, Otto Aviation employs around 100 individuals and is led by experienced executives, including former Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg. The company was founded in 2008 by William “Bill” Otto, who established it in response to concerns about the environmental impact of private air travel. The JAA board chair emphasized that this project is expected to have a long-term positive impact on the Jacksonville community, significantly contributing to local job creation and economic growth.
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Additional Resources
- Jax Daily Record: Otto Aviation Project Bluebird
- Wikipedia: Manufacturing
- Jacksonville.com: Otto Aviation
- Google Search: Otto Aviation
- News4Jax: Company Investment at Cecil Airport
- Google Scholar: Aviation Innovation
- Jax Daily Record: Economic Impact of Otto Aviation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aviation
- News4Jax: Unique Futuristic Aircraft
- Google News: Jacksonville Aviation
