Otto Aviation, which is developing a new business jet, the Phantom 3500, plans to establish a manufacturing and production facility at Cecil Airport (KVQQ) in Jacksonville, Florida.
The Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) has approved a $34.9 million incentive package to support Otto Aviation’s investment in the region, while the city of Jacksonville has approved up to $20 million in a Revenue Enhancement Value grant.
Additionally, the State of Florida has approved more than $430 million in Corporate Income Tax Credits (CITC) and High Impact Performance Incentive (HIPI) grants to facilitate the establishment of the manufacturing plant and long-term operations, which will occupy 80 to 100 acres of land at Cecil Airport, according to company officials.
Otto Aviation’s Phantom 3500 is a twin-engine business jet designed to deliver “exceptional fuel efficiency, extended range, and reduced emissions,” according to company officials.
The aircraft features a full laminar flow design that cuts drag by 35% compared to traditional jets, enabling it to travel farther on less fuel, company officials said, noting it has a range of 3,500 nautical miles and a cruise altitude of 51,000 feet.
The Jacksonville facility will serve as the primary site for the final assembly of the Phantom 3500, with production of its flight test vehicles slated to commence in 2026.
The company plans to begin flight tests by early 2027, and aims to achieve certification and entry into service in 2030, officials added.
Otto plans to begin operations in Hangar 825, originally built by the U.S. Navy for aircraft fleet operations, and will develop a dedicated manufacturing plant to produce the Phantom 3500. The company’s headquarters will also relocate to Jacksonville from Fort Worth, Texas.
For more information: OttoAviation.com
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