Source: Orlando International Airport
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is preparing now for the next evolution in flight – with plans to develop a vertiport for future Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
A procurement item on the agenda at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board latest meeting, 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 during the past several years 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.
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 given to an area of land on the south side of the airport near the Train 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.
In November 2024, Orlando International Airport hosted a two-day tabletop exercise sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration. The exercise focused on various topics such as operating rules, aircraft certification, and more.
Also during Wednesday’s meeting, Board Chairman Tim Weisheyer provided the Board an update on the search for a new CEO.
Current CEO Kevin Thibault announced his resignation last fall. At Chairman Weisheyer’s request, Mr. Thibault agreed to continue serving as CEO until a replacement is named.
The Board is using Korn Ferry, an executive search firm, to lead the effort. Chairman Weisheyer told Board members that Korn Ferry has identified a list of 8 potential candidates with extensive airport experience, narrowed down from 45 potential candidates.
Based on the timeline Chairman Weisheyer presented, the Board could have a CEO finalist named as early as the March Board meeting. A start date could be late March or early April, providing an opportunity for the new CEO to work alongside Mr. Thibault during a transition period.
