Otto Aviation has announced that it will establish an advanced manufacturing and production facility at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, Florida.
The announcement, which was made on Monday 16 June during this year’s Paris Air Show, marks an exciting next stop in the development of Otto’s next-generation business jet, the Phantom 3500.
Financial incentives
In addition to the USD34.9m package to support Otto’s growth, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) has approved up to USD20 million in a Revenue Enhancement Value grant. Additionally, Florida state has agreed over USD430 million in Corporate Income Tax Credits (CITC) and High Impact Performance Incentive grants to help facilitate the manufacturing plant, which will occupy a plot of around 100 acres at Cecil Airport.
Otto Aviation’s CEO, Paul Touw, detailed the development of his next-generation, twin-engine Phantom 3500 jet, during the show. He explained how it will achieve net zero emissions nearly two decades ahead of the industry’s 2050 goals when it enters service in 2030. It will use a full laminar flow design to reduce drag by 35 per cent compared to similar sized traditional jets. With a range of 3,500nm and a cruise altitude of 51,000 feet where it also reduces contrails, which are thought to account for 57 per cent of aviation’s carbon emissions, Otto’s innovative approach is steering a new course for sustainable aviation.
Otto is planning to begin flight tests by 2027 with certification and entry into service aimed for 2030.
Noting that the new facility at Cecil Airport will become more than a manufacturing site for the future of sustainable aviation, Touw said: “Jacksonville stood out as a city that shares our long-term vision: pushing boundaries in aerospace innovation while creating high-quality jobs and meaningful impact.”
Serving as the primary site for the final assembly of the Phantom 3500, Touw also confirmed the company plans to relocate its Texas-based headquarters to the new facility. Otto’s presence in Jacksonville Is expected to boost the local economy with the creation of hundreds of skilled jobs.
Meanwhile Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis described the announcement as a “win” for the US state. “Our infrastructure and talent are primed for the next generation of aerospace manufacturing and this project is another indicator that Florida will be home to the future of flight.”
