Orlando, Florida, is making rapid strides to position itself as one of the first U.S. cities to implement advanced air mobility (AAM) services by 2027, local officials and industry representatives announced at the NBAA Regional Forum at Orlando Executive Airport (KORL).
Business aviation is playing a crucial role in advancing AAM infrastructure, with the sector serving as a “technology incubator” for electric aircraft propulsion systems, according to NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.
Kevin Thibault, CEO of the Greater Orlando Airport Authority, highlighted the city’s “future-ready master plan,” which includes provisions for eVTOL air service at Orlando International Airport (KMCO).
A recent tabletop exercise brought together state and local officials to discuss vertiport placement and operational logistics.
Jacques Coulon, mobility innovation manager for the city of Orlando said: “Our goal is to have policies and land-use regulations in place to allow the AAM industry to flourish.
“These planning exercises help us understand what applying for a vertiport entails. AAM is coming faster than many may expect, and we need to be ready.”
With strong coordination between government agencies, business aviation leaders, and urban planners, Orlando is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the emerging AAM industry.