FDOT Support Brings Florida Closer to Advanced Air Mobility Future. Surface Lot Atlantis at Orlando International Airport with the proposed vertistop.

ORLANDO, Fla. – In support of the State of Florida’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiatives and future aerial highway network, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board gave airport staff approval to develop a vertistop that will host electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft demonstrations. The action is subject to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval and support from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

The vertistop, a small takeoff and landing pad, will be located at Orlando International Airport’s (MCO) Surface Lot Atlantis near the Train Station. Once developed, the vertistop will support aircraft demonstrations in collaboration with federal and state partners, including the FAA, FDOT, the local air traffic control, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA). The planned development will also provide validation of approach and departure procedures evaluated in high-fidelity airspace simulation assessments.

In March 2026, FDOT was one of eight proposals selected under the FAA’s eVTOL and AAM Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), a three-year initiative to accelerate the safe integration of AAM aircraft into the National Airspace System. The GOAA Board’s action further supports commercializing AAM in Florida.

“It’s exciting to see yet another example of our industry working to establish Florida’s Aerial Highway Network,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “This vertistop will play a key role in the initial phase of Advanced Air Mobility along the I-4 corridor.”

“Today’s action reflects our commitment to preparing Orlando International Airport, and, in turn, airports across our great state, for the future of aviation while keeping safety, collaboration, and the customer experience at the center of every step,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of GOAA, which manages Orlando International and Orlando Executive Airports. “We are grateful to our partners at the FAA, FDOT, local air traffic control, NASA, NATCA, and the many public- and private-sector stakeholders helping to advance this work.”

The vertistop will be designed in accordance with FAA guidance, including FAA Engineering Brief 105A, as a landing and takeoff site with minimal infrastructure. MCO’s AAM planning efforts aim to avoid disrupting local aviation traffic by developing procedures that can operate independently from the legacy airport operation. MCO’s large landmass and parallel runway separation create the opportunity to explore eVTOL integration near its passenger terminals. All eVTOL aircraft operating near MCO are expected to utilize advanced surveillance and tracking technologies that enhance situational awareness for both pilots and air traffic controllers, further supporting safe and efficient airspace integration.

The development of a vertistop at Surface Lot Atlantis is an important step to validate the location for future eVTOL commercial operations on-airport and is part of GOAA’s vision to develop an on-airport AAM vertiport by 2030.

About Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving nearly 58 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.

GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle, holding ribbon-cutting scissors, is joined by Virgin Atlantic Vice President of Airports Justin McDonald, right, and GOAA Board Chair Stephanie Kopelousos during the opening of Terminal C’s new wing expansion. Virgin Atlantic crew members, GOAA contractors, and staff were on hand to celebrate.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Orlando International Airport (MCO) marked a major milestone in its ongoing effort to elevate the passenger experience with the opening of a new wing supporting gate expansion in Terminal C and the relocation of Virgin Atlantic operations to the terminal.

A flag-waving crowd cheers during a celebration of America’s 250th birthday during Liberty Weekend at MCO.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Stars, stripes, and spectacle dawned Orlando International Airport (MCO) for this year’s Liberty Weekend celebration, bringing together aviation heritage, patriotism, and recognition of military service, during a special year marking America’s 250th birthday.

An audience of more than 250 and dozens of veterans attended Saturday’s event, paying tribute to MCO’s unique history and military roots and reflecting on generations of service members who have helped shape America.

The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra took centerstage in lineup of selections that celebrated the American spirit and created a memorable soundtrack for the occasion.

Liberty Weekend also included a presentation of the prestigious Colonel Joe Kittinger Award, which recognizes a local veteran whose service and contributions embody the values represented by the legendary aviator and veteran.

This year’s award was presented to Chief Master Sergeant Melvin “Mel” Jenner, a 103-year-old veteran whose lifetime of service and dedication exemplifies courage, commitment, and patriotism.

“Liberty Weekend is more than a celebration, it is an opportunity to honor the history that shaped this airport and recognize the people who shaped our nation,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which operates MCO. “Once home to the McCoy Air Force Base, MCO’s heritage is deeply connected to service, sacrifice, and America’s aviation story. Events like Liberty Weekend allow us to preserve that legacy, celebrate our contributions to the nation, and recognize extraordinary veterans like Mr. Jenner.”

Chief Master Sgt Melvin “Mel” Jenner accepts the Col Joe Kittinger Award during Liberty Weekend at MCO. Maestro Chris Confessore and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra are in the background.

A veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, Mr. Jenner flew 46 combat missions over Nazi-occupied Europe as a radio operator and gunner aboard a B-17 bomber. His final wartime mission took place on D-Day, June 6, 1944, as Allied forces advanced across Normandy. Mr. Jenner’s highly decorated military career includes service in the U.S. Chief Master Sgt Melvin “Mel” Jenner accepts the Col Joe Kittinger Award during Liberty Weekend at MCO. Maestro Chris Confessore and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra are in the background.

Army Air Corps and the U.S. Air Force, where he contributed to major aviation milestones, including support roles during the early era of supersonic flight alongside renowned pilot Chuck Yeager. He also flew missions during the Berlin Airlift, helping deliver critical supplies to a blockaded city.

His final duty station was McCoy Air Force Base, now home to Orlando International Airport, where he supported B-52 bomber operations and rose to become one of the first Chief Master Sergeants in the U.S. Air Force. This achievement reflected both technical excellence and exceptional leadership. Throughout his distinguished career, he received numerous honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the French Legion of Honor.

Mr. Jenner is the 12th recipient of the Col. Joe Kittinger Award. Col. Joe Kittinger (1928 – 2022) of Orlando is renowned for his pioneering high-altitude parachute jump from 102,800 feet in 1960, a record that stood for more than 50 years, and marked a milestone in aerospace exploration.