• ✨ Join the Magic!

    Become part of the Magical Guides community! Share your Disney tips, ask questions, and connect with other fans.

    🌟 Register Now

Something NEW Is Coming to the Orlando Airport

Charlie

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 13, 2024
Messages
8,616
Reaction score
36
According to the Orlando Business Journal, the Orlando International Airport is joining the FAA’s Advanced Air Mobility pilot program. This is one of eight transportation organizations in the U.S. that were selected to join this year.


©Orlando Business Journal


As part of the program, companies such as BETA Technologies are testing their eVTOL aircraft. This is a battery-powdered vehicle that takes off, hovers, and lands vertically like a helicopter but flies like a traditional airplane. They recently held a demo flight on May 18th at the Orlando Airport.



Click here to subscribe


Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Deputy Administrator, Chris Rocheleau, said, “These partnerships will help us better understand how to safely and efficiently integrate these aircraft into the National Airspace System. The program will provide valuable operational experience that will inform the standards needed to enable safe Advanced Air Mobility operations.”


©Orlando Business Journal


Right now, they’re going to focus on cargo delivery, medical responses, and passenger transportation. BETA’s aircraft can travel up to 215 nautical miles and hold four passengers. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority CEO, Lance Lytee, told the Orlando Business Journal that the authority has plans for a vertiport and a research venture, both of which are in the early stages.


©Orlando Business Journal


Lytee said, “We’re going to be a true intermodal facility at the airport. We have this all planned out, but the devil’s in the details, so we will have to work those out.” He said that people joke that it is a “Jetsons-like thing” without seeing it close up, but the demo lets people really see the reality of it.


©Orlando Business Journal


On April 2oth, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill which will go into effect on July 1st to allow funding for vertiports in the state. The global head of sales with BETA Technologieis said: “I think Florida is showing the way in what local states should be doing.”


©Orlando Business Journal


Testing of all eight pilot sites is expected to ramp up this summer. Make sure you keep following Magical Guides for more updates.

Join the Magical Guides Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!​

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.


https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Magical Guides-Guide-Covers-Fan-11-11-24-2.png​

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!​

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW


What do you think of this coming to Florida? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
 
Back
Top