Orlando Airport Pioneers eVTOL Air Taxi Integration with FAA
Orlando International Airport (MCO) recently concluded a three-day Advanced Air Mobility assessment in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration. This initiative is a part of the preparation for the anticipated integration of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) operations.
The simulation, conducted at the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center in New Jersey, delved into potential routes and procedures for integrating air taxis into one of the nation’s busiest airports. The use of Human-in-the-Loop modeling enabled local air traffic controllers to test integration scenarios in state-of-the-art simulated tower environments.
Orlando International has the distinction of being only the second U.S. airport to participate in this type of high-level FAA-led assessment. This highlights its role as a leader in next-generation aviation research.
“This assessment reflects our drive to help lead the next evolution of flight,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “We deeply value the collaborative partnership with the FAA, NASA, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, and the Florida Department of Transportation.”
MCO has identified two potential sites for future AAM facilities:
- One at the east airfield
- Another near the train station
“With more than 11,000 acres, Orlando International offers the size and flexibility to be a proving ground for next-generation aviation technologies,” MCO officials stated.
Source: Aviation Week