Orlando International, FAA Conduct AAM Simulations

Florida airport performs a three-day assessment of electric air taxi integration.

Jack Daleo

Monday, September 15, 2025 at 04:30 PM ET

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Jack Daleo

Air traffic control specialists from Orlando International Airport take part in FAA simulations of eVTOL and other AAM aircraft. [Courtesy: Orlando International Airport]

Key Takeaways:

Orlando International Airport (KMCO) is proactively preparing for advanced air mobility (AAM) operations, including electric air taxis, by conducting simulated eVTOL flights with the FAA and identifying potential sites for future vertiports.
The Greater Orlando Airport Authority (GOAA) has issued an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) for developers to design, build, and operate common-use vertiports at KMCO, starting with a planned research and development hub on the East Airfield.
KMCO's initiatives reflect a national trend among major U.S. airports to embrace AAM, supported by the FAA and government through the development of regulations and pilot programs aimed at integrating eVTOL aircraft by 2028.

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Air traffic control (ATC) specialists with Orlando International Airport (KMCO) are working with the FAA to introduce electric air taxi and other advanced air mobility (AAM) operations.

The airport on Friday said it was the second, following Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX), to conduct simulated electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations at the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center in New Jersey. During the three-day exercise, personnel used theoretical routes and procedures and human-in-the-loop modeling—combining humans and automation—to gauge the impact of routine eVTOL flights.