Key Takeaways
• Project Bluebird could create 1,200 jobs at Cecil Airport with an average annual salary of $90,000 by 2040.
• A nearly $35 million proposal, including a 20-year $20 million tax grant, aims to attract a jet manufacturer.
• The Jacksonville Aviation Authority board will vote on Project Bluebird on May 19, 2025.
The Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) is preparing to take a big step in shaping the future of Jacksonville’s aviation industry. Soon, the JAA board will vote on a proposal worth nearly $35 million. This package aims to attract a large passenger jet manufacturer, known by its project name, “Project Bluebird,” to Cecil Airport. This move could transform both the local economy and the city’s place in the global aviation world.
What Is Project Bluebird?
Project Bluebird is a plan by a passenger jet company that wants to set up its main construction and production site at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, Florida. The company, which has not been named yet, plans to invest around $430 million at the airport. Right now, the company is working on research and development of its aircraft in another state. They are now close to choosing where to build their new factory and launch production.
If the plan goes forward, this would mark a huge advance for Jacksonville’s aviation sector. For years, the city has tried to bring in a company that makes passenger jets. Now, after much planning, this dream could soon become a reality.
How the Project Will Begin and Grow
The first step for the company would be to start using an existing hangar at Cecil Airport for its early operations. Over the next five years, the company intends to build a new, large manufacturing facility. This new site would cover between 80 and 100 acres of land at the airport. Construction of this facility would include installing about $140 million worth of equipment that is subject to local taxes, as well as finishings for the building.
The facility at Cecil Airport is not just about planes. Such a project would need suppliers of airplane parts, tools, and other services. It’s expected that more companies in the aviation industry could also move to the area to support Project Bluebird.
Big Economic Effects for the Local Area
One of the largest benefits of Project Bluebird would be job creation and increased income in the Jacksonville area. According to city documents and officials, the company plans to create at least 400 new jobs by December 31, 2031. But this number could grow even more. By the year 2040, the company could employ as many as 1,200 people at its Cecil Airport site.
The jobs offered would have an average salary of $90,000 a year, not including benefits. After hiring all workers, the company’s total yearly payroll—the amount paid to all employees each year—could exceed $36 million. This strong payroll could help make the area more appealing to workers and families looking to build a future in aviation.
Another benefit is the likely arrival of other aviation suppliers. These companies often want to be close to where planes are built, so they can deliver parts quickly and get more business. The result could be a “cluster” of aviation industry jobs and services centered at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville.
Details of the Incentive Package
The Jacksonville Aviation Authority and the city government are working together to make the site as attractive as possible for Project Bluebird. They are putting forward a set of airport improvements and economic incentives to convince the passenger jet company to choose Jacksonville.
Here are some of the key parts of the proposal:
- The city is offering a 20-year Recapture Enhanced Value Grant (simply put, a tax refund) of up to $20 million. This grant would cover 75% of taxes assessed on the company’s tangible personal property (that’s things like machinery and equipment) valued at $140 million.
- The Mayor’s Budget Review Committee has already approved the incentive plan. In fact, the approval happened with a unanimous vote on May 12, 2025.
- The next step is for the Jacksonville City Council to review and vote on the proposal.
- Florida’s state government is also putting together incentives to help Jacksonville win out over other locations the company may be considering.
The Jacksonville Aviation Authority’s own $35 million contribution would help pay for improvements to the airport itself, making sure it meets the needs of such a large project.
What’s Next? The Decision Timeline
The spotlight will soon turn to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority’s board. They are expected to discuss and vote on the Project Bluebird proposal at their meeting on May 19, 2025. This vote is a major milestone. If the board votes “yes” and the Jacksonville City Council also approves the plan, it would be a key step forward for the project.
If the plan moves ahead, it would be the result of years of work by the city and the Jacksonville Aviation Authority. Since 1999, when the city and JAA got control of what was then known as Naval Air Base Cecil Field from the United States Navy 🇺🇸, more than $170 million has been put into updates like new runways, hangars, and support buildings. This long-term commitment is one reason why the city is now in a strong position to attract a major player in the passenger jet industry.
Why Project Bluebird Matters for Jacksonville
Ed Randolph, who leads the city’s Office of Economic Development, has described Project Bluebird as a “paradigm shift” for Jacksonville. He compares it to what happened in southern United States cities that got big factories from car companies years ago. In those places, the arrival of a large factory did not just create jobs in that factory. It sparked growth across the whole city, with more new businesses, rising wages, and stronger local economies.
According to Randolph, for every dollar spent by the city to support this project, the return would be about $1.24. This means that the tax breaks and investments are not just costs—they are also seen as a way to earn money for the city. This is thanks to the large number of jobs, higher incomes, and more business that would come with Project Bluebird.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that these incentives and public investments can have a big impact, especially in industries where the competition between cities and states is strong. Big companies looking to build new factories often compare dozens of possible sites, so each city’s offer must be competitive. In this case, Jacksonville’s ability to put together a large grant, update airport facilities, and show a long record of investing in the aviation sector may give the city an edge.
Long-Term Impact on Immigration and Workforce
While most details about the specific workforce plans have not been released, large aviation manufacturers often rely on both local workers and skilled people from around the world. Attracting a global company could mean new immigration opportunities for engineers, designers, technicians, and skilled production workers who might not currently live in the United States 🇺🇸. Projects like Bluebird may prompt more skilled visa applications, such as H-1B for specialty labor or L-1 for intracompany transfers, allowing companies to bring in talent for key positions.
Jobs in the aviation and aerospace sectors tend to require focused training, so local schools and colleges could also play a role. They may expand programs in fields like engineering, mechanics, and safety to prepare students for future job openings at the new facility.
Cities that transform into industry “hubs” often see more diverse communities as new workers and families move in, sometimes from other states and countries. This can create both opportunities and some challenges, such as meeting the needs of employees and their families in terms of housing, schools, and community resources.
Are There Any Concerns?
Whenever a city offers tax breaks and public investments to attract a company, questions are often raised. Some people may ask whether the benefits, such as new jobs and economic growth, are worth the cost. Others may wonder if local businesses or other industries could be overlooked. Transparency and ongoing reports on the project’s outcomes can help address these questions, allowing residents to see if the promised benefits take shape over time.
As with any large industrial project, planning for environmental impact is important. The city and the Jacksonville Aviation Authority will need to follow state and federal rules about air quality, water use, noise, and safe handling of chemicals. Projects at Cecil Airport have historically required close attention to these details, given its past as a naval air base.
Cecil Airport’s Growing Role
Cecil Airport’s transformation over the last few decades has set the stage for this new chapter. After Jacksonville took ownership from the United States Navy 🇺🇸, city and aviation authority leaders focused on making the location ready for both military and business aviation activities. More than $170 million has gone into new runways, larger hangars, and support buildings since 1999.
The location’s ability to handle large aircraft, its close distance to highways and rail lines, and its space for expansion make it a unique spot for companies like the one behind Project Bluebird. These features have helped put Jacksonville among the top choices for aerospace companies in the southeastern United States 🇺🇸.
You can find detailed information about airport regulations and development plans for Cecil Airport on the official Jacksonville Aviation Authority website, which offers updates and public documents on their projects and board meetings.
Next Steps and What Residents Should Watch For
As Project Bluebird nears a decision point, people in Jacksonville and the broader Florida region will be watching events closely. The upcoming vote by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority board is the next big event. If the board approves the project, it will move on to the City Council for final review. Should all parties agree, the city can expect to see the first company teams at Cecil Airport, with construction and hiring starting soon after.
Over the months and years ahead, local leaders, the aviation industry, and residents will be able to track how the project’s goals play out. These goals include job creation, staff training partnerships, and a rise in supporting businesses in Northeast Florida. If Project Bluebird meets or passes these goals, it will show that careful public investment and airport planning can change the direction of a city’s industry and economy.
In Summary
Project Bluebird represents a rare chance for Jacksonville to join the ranks of cities known for aircraft manufacturing. The combined efforts of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, city leaders, and the state government have put Jacksonville at the front of the race for this company’s new production site. With its mix of economic incentives, prepared facilities at Cecil Airport, and a track record of investment, Jacksonville could soon celebrate a milestone in its history.
Residents, business leaders, and anyone with an interest in the city’s growth should stay tuned as the proposal moves forward. Each stage, from the authority board’s vote to city council review, will shape the final outcome. To learn more and follow official updates, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority’s official website provides details on board meetings, airport improvements, and aviation projects happening in the region.
If the plan succeeds, Jacksonville would not only gain new jobs and income, but also welcome new possibilities for workers and families from near and far. The story of Project Bluebird at Cecil Airport may become a model for other cities reaching for their next big opportunity in the ever-growing aviation industry.
Learn Today
Recapture Enhanced Value Grant → A 20-year tax refund incentive covering 75% of taxes on equipment and property for qualifying companies at Cecil Airport.
Tangible Personal Property → Physical assets like machinery and equipment taxed locally, valued at $140 million for this aviation project.
Project Bluebird → A codename for a major proposal to bring a globally recognized passenger jet manufacturer to Jacksonville’s Cecil Airport.
Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) → The agency governing and improving Jacksonville’s airports, overseeing development, and leading negotiations for major aviation projects.
H-1B Visa → A U.S. visa allowing companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, often used in aerospace and engineering industries.
This Article in a Nutshell
Jacksonville stands on the brink of a major transformation as Project Bluebird advances. A proposed $35 million incentive package could bring a large passenger jet manufacturer to Cecil Airport, generating up to 1,200 high-paying jobs and catalyzing economic growth. The city’s decisive vote on May 19 will determine its aviation future.
— By VisaVerge.com
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