The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), the operator of Orlando International airport, has been designated as the AAM test site for the State of Florida following the introduction of a bill into the Florida House of Representatives on 21 December, 2023.

Advanced air mobility is an air transportation system that primarily uses powered-lift aircraft to carry passengers or cargo in an urban or regional setting. Developing a network of eVTOL aircraft and vertiport facilities will provide residents and visitors access to a rapid and flexible mode of local transportation. AAM could also serve as a platform for medical transportation, emergency services, law enforcement and disaster relief.

"The Aviation Authority is grateful for the support of State Representative Doug Bankson, who recognised the important assets available at GOAA-operated facilities," says GOAA CEO Kevin J Thibault. "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 commercialisation of AAM."

As an organisation, the Aviation Authority has a long history of advancing emerging aviation technology. GOAA is proud to once again contribute to a collaborative process that will benefit the industry's future. By working in concert with the Florida Department of Transportation, the state's other leading airports and the manufacturers of these specialised aircraft, the combined expertise will re-invent the dynamic of shorter distance, point-to-point air transport.