Orlando International Airport Plans Vertiport for eVTOL Aircraft by 2028

Orlando International Airport (MCO) has announced plans to build a new vertiport by 2028 to support electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, as part of its efforts to expand Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) has suggested two possible locations: one in the East Airfield and another near the airport train station on the south side.

The new vertiport will be built to handle all types of AAM aircraft expected to be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for commercial use.

As part of early planning, MCO held a two-day tabletop exercise in November 2024, supported by the FAA. The focus was on rules for operation and how the aircraft will be certified.

MCO is working with local, state, and national partners to make sure eVTOL services can be safely added to the airport’s current operations.

This month, GOAA will release an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) to find experienced partners to help design, build, and run the vertiport. The selection process will happen in two stages.

GOAA CEO Kevin J. Thibault said:

“Building a vertiport at Orlando International is a big step toward our goal of leading the future of transportation. This project supports our vision to drive innovation and make Central Florida a hub for advanced air mobility.”

When complete, the vertiport will help connect people and businesses across the region, putting Orlando at the heart of the next wave in aviation.