On First Day of Trade Mission, Governor Ron DeSantis Opens the Florida Pavilion at the 55th International Paris Air Show
The Floridant/10307828

PARIS, France ~ On the first day of Florida's international trade and business development mission to France, Governor Ron DeSantis made a major announcement at the 55th International Paris Air Show. Joined by Otto Aviation, the governor officially opened the Florida Pavilion and revealed plans for the company to relocate its global headquarters and construct a new manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, Florida.

According to Governor DeSantis, this move is a testament to Florida's strong partnerships and position as a top destination for cutting-edge aerospace companies. He stated, "We are proud to be at the forefront of aerospace innovation." The governor also highlighted the state's presence at the Paris Air Show as evidence of its commitment to fostering industries such as aerospace, aviation, military, and defense.

As part of its relocation, Otto Aviation will invest over $430 million in capital improvements to develop an 850,000 square-foot manufacturing and production facility at Cecil Airport. This project is expected to create more than 389 high-skilled and high-wage jobs, making it one of the most significant advanced manufacturing developments in Northeast Florida in recent years.

Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly praised Governor DeSantis' leadership in creating a business-friendly climate that attracts companies like Otto Aviation. He stated, "By fostering a competitive, business-first climate, Florida has created an ecosystem where innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors have the confidence to grow." Kelly also expressed pride in supporting small and emerging aviation and aerospace companies as they showcase Florida's strong economy at the Paris Air Show.

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Otto Aviation CEO Paul Touw shared his excitement about becoming a part of Jacksonville's dynamic community. He stated that this new facility will not only be a manufacturing site but also a launchpad for sustainable aviation. Touw believes that Jacksonville shares their long-term vision of pushing boundaries in aerospace innovation while creating high-quality jobs and meaningful impact.

The new facility at Cecil Airport will support production for Otto Aviation's revolutionary aircraft and expand the company's ability to deliver advanced solutions to both commercial and defense markets. This investment demonstrates Florida's strategic commitment to growing future-focused industries and accelerating job creation.

Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E., also praised Governor DeSantis' pro-business policies, stating that they make the state more attractive to businesses looking to expand operations and create jobs. He emphasized the importance of transportation infrastructure in Florida's growing economy and the need for partnerships to ensure its success.

Secretary of State Cord Byrd congratulated state and local leadership teams, as well as Otto Aviation, for ushering in a new era of flight and economic opportunities for Northeast Florida. He believes that this deal at the Paris Air Show sends a clear signal to aerospace companies that Florida is committed to the future of flight.

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Rob Long, president and CEO of Space Florida, also expressed his excitement about Otto Aviation's selection of Cecil Airport. He stated that it is a testament to the strength of Florida's statewide aerospace ecosystem and the investments made to attract innovation to the state. Long looks forward to working together with Otto Aviation to ensure that Florida remains a global center for aerospace commerce.

With a $1.7 trillion economy representing nearly 55% growth during Governor DeSantis' administration, Florida was recently ranked as the #1 economy in the nation for the second consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. The state also ranks #2 in aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) establishments and #3 in aircraft manufacturing establishments nationwide.

Florida's strategic infrastructure includes three spaceports, 16 deepwater seaports, 21 commercial airports, 130 public-use airports, and more than 20 major military installations, including three combatant commands. These assets support its economic strength as a global leader in aerospace and aviation.

The relocation of Otto Aviation's headquarters and construction of a new manufacturing facility at Cecil Airport is a significant development for Florida's aerospace industry. It showcases the state's commitment to fostering innovation and creating high-wage jobs, solidifying its position as a top destination for cutting-edge companies in the industry.

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