Summary:
Otto Aviation plans a $430 million investment in Jacksonville's Cecil Airport, including a new manufacturing facility and HQ relocation.
The project, dubbed 'Project Bluebird', could transform the local economy and create numerous jobs.
Jacksonville offers significant incentives, including $22.5 million for infrastructure and tax abatements worth millions.
Otto chose Jacksonville for its pro-business environment, incentives, and access to talent.
This move positions Jacksonville as a key player in the aerospace industry, attracting further investments.
Otto Aviation, a Texas-based aviation startup, has been revealed as the company behind 'Project Bluebird', a significant investment opportunity at Jacksonville’s Cecil Airport. The project could see $430 million injected into the local economy across two phases, alongside the relocation of Otto Aviation's headquarters to Jacksonville.
The Big Move
Otto Aviation is considering building a manufacturing and production facility on 80 to 100 acres of vacant land at Cecil Airport, previously used by Boeing Co. This move comes after a years-long search involving over 50 airports across a dozen states, with Jacksonville standing out due to its pro-business environment and growing region.
Incentives on the Table
The Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) has proposed a lucrative incentive package to attract Otto Aviation, including:
- $22.5 million for site preparation and taxiway extension.
- Rent and maintenance fee abatements worth $3.73 million.
- Rent credits valued at $1.5 million.
- Additional abatements for the new plant site worth $7.18 million.
A 20-year Recapture Enhanced Value grant of up to $20 million is also on offer for machinery and office equipment purchases.
Why Jacksonville?
Adam Slepian, Otto Aviation's Chief Strategy Officer, highlighted Jacksonville's economic development agreements, incentives, and talent pool as key factors in their decision. The city's strategic location and aviation infrastructure further cement its appeal as a hub for aerospace innovation.
The Jacksonville Aviation Authority's new 126-foot air traffic control tower and Dr. Norman Thagard Mission Control Center.
This development promises to enhance Jacksonville's position as a leader in the aerospace sector, creating lasting economic impacts and job opportunities.
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