Tampa International Airport (TPA) and the University of South Florida have formalized their partnership by signing memorandum of understanding between the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, which oversees TPA and the county’s three public general aviation airports, and the public university.
The MOU does not commit to any legally binding or specific obligations for USF or TPA but places greater importance on working together to identify research and growth opportunities, form partnerships, develop talent pipelines, and engage in other collaborative efforts.
“USF and TPA are two powerhouse economic drivers for the Tampa Bay region with a vested interest in prosperity and sustainability,” said Joe Lopano, TPA CEO. “We’ve long enjoyed a strong connection with one another to advance our mutual vision and mission, and with this MOU we will be more intentional and strategic in how we work and grow together.”
TPA and USF have enjoyed longtime connections, with many TPA leaders serving on USF advisory councils and USF student groups touring, learning and working at TPA. Over the past two years, TPA’s Office of Innovation, General Aviation Department, and Sustainability and Resilience Program have also worked with the USF Patel College of Global Sustainability on various research projects related to electrification and energy efficiency.
