TPA hosts statewide discussion on the future of Advanced Air Mobility in Florida

Transportation leaders and industry partners from across the state gathered at Tampa International Airport last week for the first of three tabletop discussions on the future of Advanced Air Mobility in Florida. 

The event was organized by the Florida Department of Transportation in partnership with the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority and included city and state regulatory planners, the Federal Aviation Administration, experts from the University of South Florida and representatives from some of the private companies hoping to bring Advanced Air Mobility to Florida.

Advanced Air Mobility is a developing air-based transportation mode that makes use of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to carry passengers and cargo and provides essential services in urban and rural settings. These aircraft could operate at some existing airports and heliports but could also use standalone landing facilities known as vertiports. 

In November, Tampa International became the first major airport to host an eVTOL test flight when Volocopter held a demonstration for local dignitaries, mayors from both sides of Tampa Bay and around 200 spectators.

“Advanced Air Mobility is a concept that has the potential to completely transform the transportation landscape throughout Florida, and it’s well on the way to being an everyday reality,” said Brett Fay, Vice President of General Aviation for the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority. “Florida is leading the way in laying the groundwork for AAM, so this has been a great opportunity to meet with stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to consider everyone’s needs as we move forward with these exciting new developments.”

Fay is leading TPA’s efforts to help plan for future Advanced Air Mobility and how the new technology might be incorporated with Hillsborough County’s airports. 

“This has been one of the most robust discussions I’ve been a part of to date,” said Fay, who is a member of Florida’s Advanced Air Mobility Advisory Committee.

The Florida Department of Transportation plans to host additional tabletop discussions in the coming months to further identify needs, discuss challenges, streamline processes and develop necessary infrastructure to begin AAM services in the Sunshine State. These discussions include the types of AAM operations, how AAM differs from traditional aviation and how local officials and community leaders can best plan for how to incorporate this new technology in their local communities.

“With Florida as a national leader in transportation, FDOT is proud to bring together the various partners who seek to have Advanced Air Mobility become an integral part of our transportation network,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue. “Florida is an ideal target market for this technology and for related business opportunities. The efforts we are making now lay the groundwork for this upcoming option and will ensure success in the future.”

Industry experts anticipate eVTOL aircraft taking flight commercially within the next few years, emphasizing the importance of establishing foundational steps for this emerging technology and businesses interested in this development.