Advanced Air Mobility Modern Flying

Joby, Orlando International Airport Inaugurate Air Taxi Vertipad

Newly constructed site serves as precursor to future site intended for commercial eVTOL operations.

Thursday, November 05, 2026 at 02:00 PM ET

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Joby Aviation’s electric air taxi prototype conducts demonstration flights at Orlando International Airport’s newly constructed vertipad. [Credit: Greater Orlando Airport Authority]

Key Takeaways:

Orlando International Airport (MCO) has inaugurated a first-of-its-kind "vertipad" at a major U.S. airport, specifically for evaluating electric air taxis (eVTOLs), and hosted demonstration flights by Joby Aviation's prototype.
This "vertipad" is a precursor to a future commercial eVTOL hub at MCO, aiming for operations by 2030, and is being used to validate aircraft readiness and integration into existing airspace through collaborations with the FAA, NASA, and FDOT.
The initiative is part of a broader plan by MCO and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to integrate electric aircraft into a statewide "aerial highway network," seeking to enhance connectivity, reduce emissions, and generate new opportunities.

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Orlando International Airport (KMCO) this week inaugurated what the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) described as a first-of-its-kind site for evaluating electric air taxis.

GOAA, which operates Orlando International, said Thursday that the airport hosted demonstrations of Joby Aviation’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft prototype. The flights took place at what GOAA described as a newly constructed “vertipad,” the precursor to a future hub for commercial eVTOL operations. It aims to begin operations there by 2030, though it had previously targeted 2028.

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.