Florida Construction News staff writer
Otto Aviation will relocate its global headquarters and build a major new manufacturing facility at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, marking one of the most significant aerospace construction investments in Northeast Florida in recent years.
The company plans to invest more than $430 million to develop an 850,000 sq. ft. facility that will support the production of Otto’s next-generation aircraft. The project is expected to create more than 389 high-skilled, high-wage jobs, strengthening Florida’s growing reputation as a hub for aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
“This new facility will become more than a manufacturing site — it’s the launchpad for the future of sustainable aviation,” said Otto Aviation CEO Paul Touw. “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.”
The announcement was made during the Paris Air Show, where Florida’s presence highlighted the state’s global appeal to aviation and aerospace companies.
The facility will be constructed at Cecil Airport, a former naval air station now serving as a strategic aviation and industrial complex. The site provides direct access to key transportation infrastructure and is already home to multiple aerospace operations.
“This is a perfect fit for Florida,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “We’ve created a climate where innovators, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers have the confidence to build and expand.”
In addition to its commercial aircraft production, Otto Aviation is expected to support defense-related manufacturing, enhancing Florida’s capabilities across both sectors. The move also aligns with broader economic development goals to attract long-term, future-focused industries.
Rob Long, president and CEO of Space Florida, called Otto Aviation’s selection of Cecil “a testament to the strength of Florida’s statewide aerospace ecosystem.”
Construction timelines for the facility have not yet been announced, but state and local officials say the project will be fast-tracked with support from multiple agencies, including the Florida Department of Transportation and Space Florida.
With a $1.7 trillion economy, Florida ranks #2 in the U.S. for aircraft maintenance operations and #3 for aircraft manufacturing establishments. The state is home to more than 700 aerospace companies and 2,000 aviation-related businesses, backed by 21 commercial airports, three spaceports, and more than 20 major military installations.
