The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), operators of Orlando International Airport (MCO), recently held its first Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Industry Day, an event that underscored authority’s efforts to bring the future of air transportation to the region.
AAM is a rapidly emerging aviation system that includes small aircraft with electric vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. The highly automated aircraft will move people and cargo in faster, more efficient, and environmentally-friendly ways – easing urban congestion, a regular challenge for a growing Central Florida.
The event provided an overview of GOAA’s AAM plan along with panel discussions about the future of AAM in the region by Kevin Thibault, GOAA CEO, Jacques Coulon, from City of Orlando, Elizabeth Sila of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, and Dr. Adan Vela of the University of Central Florida
“Our goal is to demonstrate that the Aviation Authority is ready to help pave the way in these areas for the betterment of the region,” said Thibault. “As the southeast region’s leading multimodal hub, we are committed to being a leader in the race to advance and implement this transportation revolution.”
The City of Orlando is already working with Tavistock Development Company and Munich-based aviation company Lilium to create America’s first vertiport for a high-speed electric air mobility network. The vertiport will be located in Lake Nona and is expected to launch in 2025 with Lilium’s eVTOL jet aircraft.
