A procurement item on the agenda for the most recent meeting of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) board stated the intention to publish an invitation to negotiate (ITN), which will be used to identify potential partners capable of developing and operating a vertiport at MCO.
GOAA has collaborated with local, state, and federal partners on advanced air mobility (AAM), to include integrating eVTOL aircraft into operations at MCO. A vertiport is essential to eVTOL operations, and MCO has several initiatives to support AAM concepts, it said.
To meet this goal, the Aviation Authority will undertake a two-phased procurement of a vertiport developer and operator for potential sites at MCO.
The Aviation Authority has identified an undeveloped parcel of land in the East Airfield region, on the northeast side of the airport, as a potential location for the initial AAM facilities. Consideration is also being given to an area of land on the south side of the airport, near the railway station. As part of the process, MCO will ensure the vertiport is designed for all AAM aircraft being certified for commercial operations by the FAA.
“Developing a vertiport at Orlando International Airport is a key step in advancing our mission to be the global leader in the evolution of mobility,” said Kevin J Thibault, CEO of GOAA. “This project directly supports our vision to drive innovation and position Central Florida and the state at the forefront of advanced air mobility.”
The Aviation Authority is currently targeting 2028 for an operational vertiport at MCO. The ITN is expected to be published in March 2025.
