Florida International Travel and Aerospace Growth
Florida is enhancing its international travel and aerospace industries with a new nonstop Air France flight from Orlando to Paris, expected to generate $54 million annually for Central Florida. The flight marks Air France’s return to Orlando after a decade. The state also announced significant investments in aerospace, including new facilities from AURA AERO and Otto Aviation. Legislative efforts aim to support these sectors, promising job creation and increased business opportunities. Florida is positioned as a prime destination for international visitors and a growing aerospace hub.
Florida has made significant strides in boosting its international travel and aerospace industries with the introduction of a new nonstop Air France flight from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). This move marks Air France’s return to Orlando after more than a decade and is expected to generate an approximate annual economic impact of $54 million for Central Florida.
The announcement was revealed during the Florida Business Seminar in Paris, where state officials underscored Florida’s commitment to maintaining “freedom-first policies” and an open-for-business stance as major draws for international travelers. The new route, set to operate year-round, is expected to support jobs across various sectors in the region.
Florida has shown impressive tourism numbers; in 2024, the state welcomed a record 143 million visitors, including nearly 9 million international travelers. The first quarter of 2025 has already reported 41.2 million visitors. Notably, the Orlando-Paris route had been identified as the largest unserved U.S.-Europe market, with nearly 80,000 passengers traveling without direct service prior to this announcement. Early indications suggest strong demand for the Air France service, particularly in premium cabin offerings.
In conjunction with the flight announcement, Florida is also seeing substantial investments in its aerospace sector. French aircraft manufacturer AURA AERO will open its first U.S. facility at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Research Park in Daytona Beach. This 10,000 square-foot facility, supported by a $3.4 million investment from Space Florida, will serve as the U.S. delivery and customer support center for its INTEGRAL R trainer aircraft, alongside conducting flight testing for an all-electric model expected to enter service by early 2027.
AURA AERO also plans to construct a 500,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility at Daytona Beach International Airport, which is projected to involve over $200 million in investments and create over 1,000 high-paying jobs. Additionally, Otto Aviation will relocate its global headquarters to Jacksonville and invest more than $430 million in a new manufacturing facility at Cecil Airport, expected to create nearly 400 high-wage jobs in support of the Phantom 3500 business jet.
During the event in Paris, two important pieces of legislation were signed by the governor. The first, SB 1516, establishes the International Aerospace Innovation Fund, while SB 1662 aims to modernize Florida’s transportation infrastructure. These legislative efforts look to further support the growth of Florida’s aerospace sector.
To enhance workforce development and research initiatives, plans were announced involving Lockheed Martin and the University of Central Florida, showcasing Florida’s strategic position as a hub for manufacturing and high-tech innovation. The initiatives related to both aerospace and international travel are anticipated to foster increased business opportunities and tourism between Florida and France.
Florida’s Secretary of State highlighted the exciting possibilities that the new services and investments hold for both communities and businesses, while the Secretary of Transportation pointed to these developments as major wins for economic growth, particularly in Central Florida.
With Air France’s new service and substantial investments in the aerospace industry, Florida is poised to enhance its appeal as a prime destination for international travel and a thriving aerospace hub, contributing to significant economic growth and job creation in the region.
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