Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), the operator of Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida, is planning to develop a vertiport for future electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The project was revealed at a recent GOAA board meeting, where the organisation stated its intention to publish an invitation to negotiate (ITN), which will be used to identify potential partners capable of developing and operating a vertiport at MCO.

GOAA has collaborated with local, state and federal partners during the past several years on advanced air mobility (AAM) regarding the integration of eVTOL aircraft into operations at MCO. A vertiport is essential to eVTOL operations, and MCO has several initiatives to support AAM concepts. To meet this goal, GOAA will undertake a two-phased procurement of a vertiport developer and operator for potential sites at MCO.

GOAA has identified an undeveloped parcel of land in the East Airfield region, on the north-east side of the airport, as a potential location for the initial AAM facilities. As part of the process, MCO will ensure the vertiport is designed for all AAM aircraft being certified for commercial operations by the FAA.

“Developing a vertiport at Orlando International Airport is a key step in advancing our mission to be the global leader in the evolution of mobility,” says Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of GOAA. “This project directly supports our vision to drive innovation and position central Florida and the state at the forefront of advanced air mobility.”

GOAA is currently targeting 2028 for an operational vertiport at MCO, and expects to publish the ITN in March.