Airport Experience® News - Post-Conference Issue 2026

Above: Kevin Cox, CEO of Vertiports by Atlantic

operators the regulatory baseline they have been waiting for. That progress is prompting airports to prepare tangible plans. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is positioning early. “GOAA (Greater Orlando Airport Authority) has invested funds to plan for and accommodate onsite amongst its 11,000-acre campus for AAM integration on-airport and to support other emerging aerospace technologies,” says Lance Lyttle, CEO. The airport is running a two-phase procurement to select a vertiport developer and operator for two sites at the East Airfield and the Train Station through an open Invitation to Negotiate. MCO is one of several North American airports laying the groundwork for eVTOL operations. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) has studied how to integrate AAM into its existing infrastructure. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is making infrastructure investments and related moves to prepare its facilities. Others are studying viability or making early assessments of how their facilities can fit into the evolving playing field. It’s early days for many - the sector depends on collaboration across regulators, utilities, manufacturers and airport landlords. The intent is to introduce services deliberately to complement existing aviation and build public trust. Treating AAM as infrastructure, not a pilot program, will help airports lock in long-term value. Yet, for all the enthusiasm surrounding eVTOLs and the dollars being invested in facilities to host these aircraft, some consultants are warning that the applicability of eVTOLs is still uncertain.

Regulatory approval remains a hurdle, but manufacturers are making headway. “The industry is making steady progress, advancing certification efforts of various eVTOL platforms,” says Emilien Marchand, director of ecosystem partnerships at Wisk Aero. “North America is home to most of the technology leaders in this space, and all are working hand-in-hand with the FAA and DOT to safely integrate these aircraft into the National Airspace.” The FAA has finalized its powered-lift rule framework and published interim vertiport design standards, giving

Above: Commercial airports are expected to be part of initial route networks for eVTOLs, but dedicated facilities are in the works in various locations. Vertiports by Atlantic expects to be one such provider.

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AX NEWS APRIL/MAY 2026