PARIS – Gov. Ron DeSantis introduced a serious increase for the state’s worldwide journey and aerospace sectors, highlighting the launch of a brand new nonstop, year-round Air France flight between Orlando Worldwide Airport and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.
The flight marks Air France’s return to Orlando after greater than a decade and serves as a centerpiece of Florida’s efforts to strengthen its world financial presence.
The governor introduced the information in the course of the Florida Enterprise Seminar in Paris on Wednesday.
“Florida’s freedom-first insurance policies, robust financial system, and dedication to remaining open for enterprise have made our state one of the crucial enticing locations on this planet,” DeSantis stated. “The return of direct flights between Orlando and Paris not solely displays robust demand from vacationers but additionally creates new financial alternatives and strengthens Florida’s worldwide ties.”
The reestablished connection is anticipated to generate roughly $54 million in annual financial influence for Central Florida and assist jobs throughout a number of industries.
Florida welcomed a report 143 million guests in 2024, together with almost 9 million worldwide vacationers, a momentum that has continued into 2025 with 41.2 million guests within the first quarter alone.
Previous to this announcement, the Orlando–Paris route was recognized as the most important unserved U.S.–Europe market, accounting for almost 80,000 annual passengers with out direct service.
The brand new Air France service, made potential by a partnership with the state of Florida, VISIT FLORIDA, Expertise Kissimmee, Go to Orlando, and Orlando Worldwide Airport, has already seen demand exceed expectations, significantly in premium cabins.
Past tourism, DeSantis additionally revealed vital new investments in Florida’s burgeoning aerospace trade throughout his time in Paris.
French plane producer AURA AERO introduced it’s opening its first U.S. facility at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical College’s Analysis Park in Daytona Seaside.
This preliminary 10,000-square-foot facility, supported by a $3.4 million funding from House Florida, will function AURA AERO’s U.S. supply and buyer assist heart for its INTEGRAL R coach plane and can host flight testing for its all-electric INTEGRAL E mannequin, anticipated for entry into service in early 2027.
AURA AERO additional unveiled plans for a serious second section: the development of a 500,000-square-foot superior manufacturing facility at Daytona Seaside Worldwide Airport.
In line with officers, this bigger plant will produce its next-generation 19-seat hybrid-electric plane, ERA. This growth represents greater than $200 million in potential funding and is projected to create over 1,000 high-paying jobs, additional positioning Florida on the forefront of aviation innovation. The ERA plane is designed to considerably scale back CO2 emissions and supply decrease working prices, with over 700 orders already secured globally.
Moreover, DeSantis introduced that Otto Aviation will relocate its world headquarters to Jacksonville, investing over $430 million to construct an 850,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at Cecil Airport.
This mission is anticipated to create almost 400 high-wage, extremely expert jobs in Northeast Florida, supporting the event of Otto’s Phantom 3500 enterprise jet.
To additional solidify the state’s aerospace ambitions, DeSantis signed two key items of laws whereas in Paris. SB 1516 establishes the Worldwide Aerospace Innovation Fund, administered by House Florida, to draw worldwide partnerships and drive analysis and improvement.
SB 1662 goals to modernize Florida’s transportation infrastructure by advancing tasks in ports, airports and spaceports, growing superior air mobility methods, and increasing workforce coaching.
The journey additionally noticed Lockheed Martin and the College of Central Florida announce plans for a memorandum of understanding to advance workforce improvement, analysis collaboration and innovation inside Florida.
“At the moment we showcased some great benefits of doing enterprise in Florida to dozens of producing and high-tech innovators who wish to deliver job creation to Florida,” Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly stated.
“Due to the Governor’s management and the dedication of our 175 Florida delegates, we had been in a position to present a broad array of attendees Florida’s promoting factors: the nation’s #1 financial system, #1 rating in expertise improvement, #1 postsecondary system, a persistent AAA credit standing, a low tax and low regulatory framework, and a collaborative public-private method,” Kelly stated.
Rob Lengthy, President and CEO of House Florida, known as AURA AERO’s growth “a robust sign of the momentum behind Florida’s superior aerospace and electrical mobility sectors.”
“This mission displays our dedication to innovation, increasing aerospace commerce and constructing a extra linked future,” Lengthy stated.
Florida Secretary of State Twine Byrd added that the Orlando-Paris direct service provides “thrilling potentialities not just for the enterprise neighborhood, but additionally for tourism.”
“This flight will hyperlink two vibrant cultures and economies, constructing a stronger connection between Florida and France,” Byrd stated.
Florida Division of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue known as Wednesday’s bulletins “massive wins for Floridians and can proceed to assist financial development within the Central Florida area.”
“Floridians are realizing true advantages because of Governor DeSantis’ give attention to increasing commerce and tourism with our European companions,” Perdue stated.
