Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that Otto Aviation, a Texas-based company specializing in sustainable aviation, will be relocating its headquarters to Jacksonville's Cecil Airport. The move comes as the company plans to develop its next-generation business jet, the Phantom 3500.
The governor shared the big announcement while on an international trade and business development mission in France, where he also opened the Florida Pavilion at the 55th International Paris Air Show.
“I’m pleased to welcome Otto Aviation to Jacksonville. This is a win for Florida and a testament to the kind of innovation we’re attracting," DeSantis said. "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.”
Specifically, the governor's office said Otto Aviation plans to invest more than $430 million in capital improvements at Cecil Airport. The company also committed to developing an 850,000 square-foot manufacturing and production facility at Cecil.
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly also celebrated the news.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida’s leaned into industries like aerospace, aviation, military and defense—industries that are so deeply part of the Florida fabric—Otto Aviation’s decision to manufacture in Florida is a perfect fit for our state,” Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly said.
Cecil Airport was used as a U.S. Naval Air Station up until 1999. It has since operated as a public airport and commercial spaceport, and includes company tenants such as Boeing and Pratt and Whitney.
The company's move is expected to create 389 high-skilled and high-wage jobs in Florida. The governor's office added that the company's relocation to Jacksonville is "one of the most significant advanced manufacturing developments in Northeast Florida in recent years."
"This new facility will become more than a manufacturing site — it’s the launchpad for the future of sustainable aviation," Otto Aviation CEO Paul 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. We’re excited to become a part of this dynamic community."
