On the final day of a trade mission to Paris, Florida’s delegation conducted meetings with existing and potential investors. The highlight was Air France’s renewed investment in direct flights from Paris to Orlando, which was announced by the Governor as part of VISIT FLORIDA’s international engagements.
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly stated, “Today we showcased the advantages of doing business in Florida to dozens of manufacturing and high-tech innovators who are looking to bring job creation to Florida.” He attributed this success to the Governor’s leadership and the efforts of 175 delegates, emphasizing Florida’s strong economy, talent development, postsecondary system, credit rating, tax and regulatory framework, and public-private collaboration.
Governor DeSantis also emphasized foreign investment in Florida’s aerospace industry. French aircraft manufacturer AURA AERO announced it will open its first U.S. facility at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Research Park in Daytona Beach. Supported by an initial $3.4 million investment from Space Florida for hangar fit-out and equipment, this 10,000-square-foot INTEGRAL hangar will serve as AURA AERO’s U.S. delivery and customer support center for its INTEGRAL R two-seater trainer aircraft. Flight testing for its all-electric INTEGRAL E model is planned here as well.
AURA AERO intends to expand further by constructing a 500,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility at Daytona Beach International Airport for its next-generation hybrid-electric regional aircraft known as ERA. This project could see over $200 million invested and create more than 1,000 jobs. Space Florida has pledged financial support up to an additional $200 million.
The ERA aircraft aims to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional aircraft while lowering operating costs. With over 700 orders secured already, ERA promises a sustainable solution for connecting underserved airports across the U.S.
During events like the Florida Business Seminar and France Business Roundtable, delegates explored opportunities for aerospace partnerships between Florida and France. Additionally, discussions were held with leaders from Baden-Württemberg in Germany on shared interests such as aerospace and life sciences.
Following Paris activities led by Governor DeSantis and his delegation concluded their visit with plans for further stakeholder meetings in Berlin, Stuttgart (Baden-Württemberg), and London involving leadership from organizations like FloridaCommerce.
As part of this international mission in France:
– Governor Ron DeSantis opened the Florida Pavilion at the International Paris Air Show.
– Otto Aviation announced relocating its global headquarters to Jacksonville investing over $430 million into building an 850k sq ft manufacturing facility creating nearly 400 jobs.
– Two key legislative pieces were signed:
– Senate Bill 1516 establishing International Aerospace Innovation Fund administered by SpaceFlorida aimed at attracting partnerships driving research & workforce growth.
– Senate Bill 1662 modernizing transportation infrastructure advancing projects within ports/airports/spaceports developing air mobility systems expanding workforce training meeting economic demands.
Lockheed Martin alongside University Central Florid (UCF) revealed plans entering Memorandum Understanding advancing workforce development research collaboration innovation statewide during this trip too!
