From the Orange County Newsroom
In Summary:
County leaders say membership in the Advanced Air Mobility Association connects Orange County with national partners working to deploy emerging air mobility technologies safely and sustainably. With 75 million annual visitors, a major convention center, and a growing transportation network, the region is viewed as a strong candidate for early adoption of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. State and local officials believe the effort could generate jobs, new infrastructure investment, and long-term economic growth across Central Florida, including communities like Apopka.
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Orange County Government has joined the Advanced Air Mobility Association (AAMA), becoming part of a national network working to advance the integration of advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies in ways that reflect community needs and regional priorities.
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The membership highlights Orange County’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and strategic infrastructure planning. With 75 million annual visitors, a major convention center, and a rapidly growing transportation network, the county is well-positioned to help shape the integration of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft and other AAM technologies nationwide.
“Advanced air mobility supports Orange County’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and inclusion for the benefit of Orange County’s 1.5 million residents,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “Our membership in AAMA connects us with national leaders and positions Orange County as a leader in shaping the future of advanced air mobility in Central Florida.”
Florida is projected to lead the nation in AAM deployment, with the Florida Department of Transportation estimating up to 18 million annual passenger trips by 2050. Central Florida, including the I-4 corridor, has been identified as a key launch region, and Orange County’s participation helps ensure community and economic development priorities remain central.
“Orange County brings a powerful perspective to our growing coalition,” said Antonio Campello, President & CEO at AAMA. “Its leadership and proactive mindset will help set the standard for AAM deployment to serve millions of residents and visitors.”
Doug Bankson has been a leader in vertiport legislation in Tallahassee and was pleased to see it arrive in Orange County.
"I’m so excited to see the AAM technology come to the forefront in our region," said Bankson, the District 39 House Representative, which includes all of Apopka. "This was why the vertiports legislation I was able to pass was such a priority. It is an emerging market with significant economic potential and strong job-creation potential for present and future generations. One overarching goal was to make Florida the leader in AAM technology and opportunity, attracting not just the technology but the manufacturing of these new aircraft as well, and after speaking with different ones in the AAM field, we have accomplished this goal."
Through the partnership, Orange County and AAMA will explore infrastructure planning, community engagement, and pilot programs to support safe, sustainable, and inclusive air mobility innovation.
Key Points:
- Orange County joins national AAM coalition to guide future air mobility planning
- Focus on electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, including air taxis and vertiports
- Florida projected to lead the nation in AAM deployment by 2050
- Central Florida and the I-4 corridor are identified as a priority launch region
- Leaders cite economic development, job creation, and sustainability benefits
For more information, visit www.aamax.org.
