PARIS, France—Today, FloridaCommerce and SelectFlorida are recapping significant wins during the first day of Governor Ron DeSantis’ trade and business development mission to France. Governor DeSantis officially opened the Florida Pavilion at the 55^th International Paris Air Show, where 15 small and emerging Florida-based aviation and aerospace companies are exhibiting. As part of the opening ceremony, the Governor announced that Otto Aviation will relocate its manufacturing operations and corporate headquarters to Cecil Airport in Jacksonville, Florida.

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida’s leaned into industries like aerospace, aviation, military and defense—industries that are so deeply part of the Florida fabric—Otto Aviation’s decision to manufacture in Florida is a perfect fit for our state,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “By fostering a competitive, business-first climate, Florida has created an ecosystem where innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors have the confidence to grow, innovate, and make long-term commitments in Florida. We’re proud to support Florida’s small and emerging aviation and aerospace companies as they showcase the strength and ferocity of Florida’s economy at the 55^th International Paris Air Show.”

Otto Aviation is an advanced aerospace company committed to transforming private and regional aviation through innovative aircraft design. Previously known as “Project Bluebird”, the relocation of Otto Aviation’s aircraft assembly facility and corporate headquarters is the result of years-long engagement between the company, local, and state officials. Following the 2024 Farnborough Air Show, Otto Aviation narrowed its focus to Cecil Airport as the ideal strategic location for final assembly of its Phantom 3500, a revolutionary twin-engine business jet poised to redefine the standards of business aviation.

This investment will create 389 high-wage jobs with an average salary of $90,388 and is projected to generate more than $430 million in capital investment. Otto Aviation’s new facility will occupy 80 to 100 acres at Cecil Airport and support both advanced manufacturing operations and the company’s long-term expansion plans.

Additionally, Governor DeSantis met with executives and business leaders from leading French aviation and aerospace companies, including Air France, Embraer, Eve Air Mobility, United Launch Alliance, Leonardo, and Daher. These meetings served to strengthen existing partnerships, express appreciation for continued investments in Florida, and explore new opportunities for further business development between regions.

From Monday, June 16, to Wednesday, June 18, Governor Ron DeSantis is leading an international trade and business development mission of distinguished delegates to Paris, focusing largely on the Paris Air Show, including:

• Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly
• Florida Secretary of Transportation Jared Perdue
• Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd
• Space Florida President & CEO Rob Long
• University of Central Florida President Alexander Cartwright
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President Barry Butler

The delegation will also include representatives from the University of Florida, Florida State University, Florida Institute of Technology, Seminole State College and Florida economic development organizations and companies across aerospace, defense, manufacturing, transportation, and logistics sectors.