Ron DeSantis just delivered one announcement that left his critics scrambling for excuses

Ron DeSantis has been under constant attack from the Left for his America First policies.

But his latest move proved once again why Florida leads the nation.

And Ron DeSantis just delivered one announcement that left his critics scrambling for excuses.

DeSantis delivers major economic victory for Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis made a series of game-changing announcements from Paris that will have his Democrat critics eating their words about Florida’s economic policies.

The Florida Governor revealed that direct flights between Orlando and Paris have returned for the first time in more than a decade, marking a massive win for the state’s tourism and business sectors.

“The return of direct flights between Orlando and Paris not only reflects strong demand from travelers but also creates new economic opportunities and strengthens Florida’s international ties,” DeSantis said during the Florida Business Seminar in Paris.

The new Air France service connecting Orlando International Airport to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport is already exceeding expectations, particularly in premium cabins.

Before these flights launched in May, Orlando-Paris was the largest unserved U.S.-Europe market, with nearly 80,000 annual passengers having to make connecting flights between the two cities.

Now Florida tourists can fly directly to the City of Light, while French visitors can experience everything the Sunshine State has to offer without the hassle of layovers.

The economic impact speaks for itself – this single flight route is projected to generate approximately $54 million in annual economic impact for Central Florida while supporting jobs across multiple industries.

Florida’s aerospace industry soars to new heights

DeSantis didn’t stop with the tourism announcement – he also unveiled major aerospace investments that will cement Florida’s position as America’s aviation capital.

French aircraft manufacturer AURA AERO announced it’s opening its first U.S. facility at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Research Park in Daytona Beach.

The initial 10,000-square-foot facility, supported by a $3.4 million investment from Space Florida, will serve as AURA AERO’s U.S. delivery and customer support center.

But that’s just the beginning.

AURA AERO revealed plans for a massive second phase – a 500,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility at Daytona Beach International Airport.

This expansion represents more than $200 million in potential investment and is projected to create over 1,000 high-paying jobs.

“This project reflects our commitment to innovation, expanding aerospace commerce and building a more connected future,” Rob Long, President and CEO of Space Florida, said.

The facility will produce AURA AERO’s next-generation 19-seat hybrid-electric aircraft, which has already secured over 700 orders globally.

Otto Aviation brings jobs and investment to Jacksonville

The good news kept coming as DeSantis announced that Otto Aviation will relocate its global headquarters to Jacksonville.

The company is investing over $430 million to build an 850,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at Cecil Airport.

This project alone is expected to create nearly 400 high-wage, highly skilled jobs in Northeast Florida.

Otto Aviation will use the facility to develop its Phantom 3500 business jet, bringing cutting-edge aviation technology to the Sunshine State.

These aren’t just any jobs – these are the kind of high-tech, high-paying positions that build strong communities and attract talented workers from around the country.

DeSantis signs legislation to secure Florida’s aerospace future

While in Paris, DeSantis signed two crucial pieces of legislation that will keep Florida at the forefront of the aerospace industry.

SB 1516 establishes the International Aerospace Innovation Fund, administered by Space Florida, to attract international partnerships and drive research and development.

SB 1662 modernizes Florida’s transportation infrastructure by advancing projects in ports, airports and spaceports, developing advanced air mobility systems, and expanding workforce training.

“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,” Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly, said.

The results speak for themselves – Florida welcomed a record 143 million visitors in 2024, including nearly 9 million international travelers.

That momentum has continued into 2025 with 41.2 million visitors in just the first quarter alone.

Democrat critics can’t argue with success

For years, Democrats have attacked DeSantis’ business-friendly policies, claiming they don’t work.

They’ve criticized his low-tax, low-regulation approach and his commitment to keeping Florida open for business.

But the results from his Paris trade mission prove that DeSantis’ America First economic policies are exactly what businesses want.

“Florida’s freedom-first policies, strong economy, and commitment to remaining open for business have made our state one of the most attractive destinations in the world,” DeSantis explained.

Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd highlighted how the Orlando-Paris direct service offers “exciting possibilities not only for the business community, but also for tourism.”

“This flight will link two vibrant cultures and economies, building a stronger connection between Florida and France,” Byrd stated.

These aren’t empty political promises – they’re real jobs, real investment, and real economic growth that benefits working families across Florida.

Florida leads while other states follow

The contrast couldn’t be starker between Florida’s pro-business approach and the high-tax, high-regulation policies pushed by Democrat-controlled states.

While California loses businesses and New York drives away employers with crushing taxes, Florida continues to attract major companies and international investment.

The aerospace announcements alone represent hundreds of millions in investment and thousands of high-paying jobs.

Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue called the announcements “big wins for Floridians and will continue to support economic growth in the Central Florida region.”

“Floridians are realizing true benefits due to Governor DeSantis’ focus on expanding trade and tourism with our European partners,” Perdue added.

Orlando International Airport, already Florida’s busiest with 57 million passengers in 2024, will now serve as a crucial gateway connecting America to Europe.

The partnership that made it possible

The success of the Orlando-Paris flights demonstrates what can happen when government and private industry work together effectively.

The new Air France service was made possible through a partnership between the State of Florida, VISIT FLORIDA, Experience Kissimmee, Visit Orlando, and Orlando International Airport.

This collaborative approach – bringing together state resources with private enterprise – shows how conservative governance can deliver real results without massive government spending.

Rather than picking winners and losers through subsidies and bailouts, DeSantis has created an environment where businesses want to invest and grow.

The proof is in the numbers – demand for the Paris flights has already exceeded expectations, particularly in premium cabins.

Florida’s formula for success

DeSantis’ trip to Paris showcased everything that makes Florida attractive to international businesses and investors.

Secretary Kelly highlighted Florida’s advantages: “the nation’s #1 economy, #1 ranking in talent development, #1 postsecondary system, a persistent AAA credit rating, a low tax and low regulatory framework, and a collaborative public-private approach.”

These aren’t accidents – they’re the result of deliberate policy choices that put businesses and workers first.

While other governors chase trendy environmental policies that drive away jobs, DeSantis focuses on creating an environment where companies want to locate and expand.

The aerospace investments announced in Paris will position Florida at the forefront of aviation innovation, including electric and hybrid-electric aircraft technology.

AURA AERO’s ERA aircraft is designed to significantly reduce CO2 emissions while offering lower operating costs – proving that environmental progress and economic growth can go hand in hand.

A trade mission that delivers results

DeSantis’ three-day trade mission to Paris included attending the 55th International Paris Air Show alongside key state officials.

The delegation included Secretary of State Cord Byrd, Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly, Secretary of Transportation Jared Perdue, Space Florida President Rob Long, and University of Central Florida President Alexander Cartwright.

This wasn’t a taxpayer-funded vacation – it was a strategic mission that delivered concrete results for Florida families.

The announcements coming out of Paris represent job creation, economic growth, and international partnerships that will benefit Florida for years to come.

Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin and the University of Central Florida announced plans for a memorandum of understanding to advance workforce development and research collaboration.

These partnerships ensure that Florida will have the skilled workforce needed to support its growing aerospace industry.

The success of DeSantis’ Paris mission proves that his approach to economic development works – and his critics are running out of excuses to attack policies that clearly deliver results for working Floridians.