Greater Orlando announces test sites to advance Florida’s advanced air mobility system

On December 21, 2023, a bill was introduced into the Florida House of Representatives designating the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) as the AAM test site for the State of Florida. The development enables central Florida to take a leading role in the development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

Developing a network of Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft and vertiport facilities will provide residents and visitors access to a rapid and flexible mode of local transportation, says GOAA. AAM could also serve as a platform for medical transportation, emergency services, law enforcement and disaster relief.

Kevin J. Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority said. “As an industry leader in multimodal connectivity, Orlando International Airport is a natural fit to function as a test site. With our availability of land, we are uniquely situated to enhance the research, development and commercialization of AAM.”

By working in concert with the Florida Department of Transportation, the state’s other leading airports and the manufacturers of these specialized aircraft, the combined expertise plans to re-invent the dynamic of shorter distance, point-to-point air transport.

According to industry experts, the integration of AAM into today’s National Airspace System has the potential to reduce carbon emissions, reduce noise impacts, create new jobs, provide air service to underserved communities and create opportunities for new and diversified revenue streams for airports.

(Image: Orlando Airports)