The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Orlando International Airport joined Joby Aviation in celebrating the first successful completion of the state’s second “Flying Car” test flight.
The flight on the airport’s campus showcased another first as part of the state’s Future of Flight series, and marked the first use of the airport’s dedicated Vertipad, a specialized takeoff and landing area for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft. The Vertipad is the first in the nation at a commercial airport. Officials said the completion of the demonstration brings to the state yet another milestone in its effort to launch commercial AAM services to the state.
“Today’s flight showcases Florida’s nation-leading commitment to building the infrastructure and resources needed for the future of flying cars in our state,” Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E., said. “We are paving the way for Florida’s Aerial Highway Network and showing how strategic investments in infrastructure can support the safe integration of emerging aircraft into our transportation system. This vision has been years in the making, and today, we are bringing it to life.”
Officials said the takeoff and landing of AAM aircraft at the Vertipad is a demonstration of how the technology will operate in real-world conditions, and that the Vertipad is in one of the state’s primary corridors for the initial deployment of AAM, and that the state is utilizing its AAM partners’ help in building out the infrastructure to become a national leader in the AAM industry.
“Today’s demonstration reflects our commitment to preparing MCO for the future of aviation while keeping safety, collaboration, and the customer experience at the center of every step,” Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, said.