Dassault Falcon Jet today announced it will build a new maintenance facility at Melbourne Orlando International Airport as part of the company’s global expansion of its maintenance, repair and overhaul network. Intended to serve customers across North and South America and beyond, the 175,000 square-foot complex will accommodate all current Falcon models, (including the new, ultra-long range Falcon 10X, the largest purpose-built business jet), and will be capable of performing major maintenance and modifications on up to 18 Falcon models simultaneously. Additionally, the site will be home to a 54,000-square-foot paint shop. Construction in Melbourne is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2023 and opening is set for late 2024.
“We have made it our priority to invest in our workforce to attract the world’s top companies to Florida. Today’s announcement from Dassault Falcon Jet shows how these investments are paying dividends,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This new facility will bring high-paying jobs to Melbourne and lead to strong economic growth throughout Central Florida.”
“Florida has long been the global center of the space industry and cutting-edge technology,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “That strong past combined with our present commitment to high-tech workforce development has made our state synonymous with a robust aerospace environment fueled by strategic investments, training, and infrastructure. This investment will continue to build more opportunities for Floridians and solidify our status as the best place in the world to learn, work and live.”
“With its storied history of innovation and the welcoming of groundbreaking companies such as Dassault Falcon Jet, Florida continues to send a message to the country and world that Florida is an international hub for aviation and aerospace,” said Florida Deputy Secretary of Commerce Laura DiBella. “Dassault’s maintenance operations facility in Melbourne will boost the local economy of Florida’s Space Coast and provide crucial job opportunities for Floridians for years to come.”
“DEO is excited Dassault has chosen to build its new facility in the Sunshine State, the most business-friendly state in the nation under Governor Desantis’ freedom-first policies,” said Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Secretary Dane Eagle. “Dassault’s facility will bring dynamic new workforce opportunities to Central Florida and bolster Florida’s growing mechanics and aviation industries.”
“Florida is an unbeatable location where companies get access to everything they need to see tremendous growth,” said Frank DiBello, president and CEO, Space Florida. “Dassault Falcon Jet’s decision to move their operations to our state is yet another example of the strength of Florida’s aerospace industry and the unmatched, competitive financial toolkit Space Florida offers. We have the right funding, the right facilities, a strong workforce, and a live, work, and play environment that says ‘Welcome to Florida.’”
“Under the Governor’s leadership, strategic investments in Florida’s airport infrastructure continues to be the catalyst for private sector growth. Dassault’s selection of Melbourne Orlando International Airport is the product of Florida’s commitment to the aviation and aerospace industry, and further demonstrates the state’s ability to capitalize on interagency partnerships,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E.
“On behalf of the EDC, it’s an honor to welcome Dassault Falcon Jet to Florida’s Space Coast,” said Lynda L. Weatherman, President and CEO of Florida’s Space Coast EDC. “This announcement reinforces the strength of the Space Coast’s talented workforce and our growing reputation as a top high-tech aerospace and aviation hub in the United States.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Dassault Falcon Jet to our world-class family of tenants here at the Melbourne Orlando International Airport,” said MLB Executive Director Greg Donovan, A.A.E. “We believe this is the perfect home for Dassault Aviation. The fact that another titan of the aerospace industry has chosen to move operations to the Space Coast is a great credit to our community and the teams who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this deal to fruition.”
“Dassault Falcon Jet’s plans to locate its new state-of-the-art factory service center in Melbourne is tremendous news for the Space Coast and all of Florida,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard. “With the recent announcement by Governor Ron DeSantis of the nearly $30 million investment to develop a sustainable pipeline of job-ready candidates in aviation, aerospace and manufacturing, our workforce is primed for this project and the CareerSource Florida network stands ready to help with recruiting, hiring and training.”
