What is a 'vertistop' and how is it different from a vertiport?

A vertistop is a minimally-infrastructured eVTOL landing pad designed for demonstration flights, built to FAA Engineering Brief 105A guidelines. A vertiport is a more fully developed facility intended for commercial operations. MCO's vertistop is a stepping stone toward a full vertiport planned for 2030.

Where exactly will the MCO vertistop be built?

The vertistop will be located at the Atlantis surface parking lot at Orlando International Airport (MCO), next to the airport train station. The site was chosen partly because MCO's large land area and wide parallel runway spacing make eVTOL integration near the terminal more feasible.

Orlando International Airport Approved to Build eVTOL…

Q: What federal and state agencies are involved in this project?

The project involves the FAA, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), local air traffic control authorities, NASA, and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA). Florida's FDOT was also selected as one of eight participants in the FAA's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) in March 2026.

Orlando International Airport Approved to Build eVTOL 'Vertistop' Landing Facility

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) board has approved development of a small eVTOL demonstration 'vertistop' at Orlando International Airport (MCO), to be located at the Atlantis surface parking lot near the airport train station. The project, pending FAA approval and FDOT support, is part of a broader plan to build a full AAM vertiport at MCO by 2030, in collaboration with the FAA, FDOT, NASA, and NATCA.

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Highlights

The GOAA board approved development of an eVTOL vertistop at Orlando International Airport (MCO), located at the Atlantis surface parking lot adjacent to the airport train station, pending FAA approval.

The vertistop will be built to FAA Engineering Brief 105A standards as a minimally-infrastructured demonstration facility, designed not to disrupt existing airport operations.

Florida's FDOT was selected as one of eight proposals for the FAA's three-year eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) in March 2026, supporting AAM integration into the national airspace.

GOAA's ultimate goal is to build a full AAM vertiport at MCO by 2030, with the vertistop serving as a critical validation step toward commercial eVTOL operations.

All eVTOL aircraft operating near MCO will be required to use advanced surveillance and tracking technologies to enhance situational awareness for pilots and air traffic controllers.

Orlando International Airport Approved to Build eVTOL 'Vertistop' Landing Facility

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) board has approved airport staff to develop a small 'vertistop' landing pad for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft demonstration flights. The project is contingent on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval and support from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

Facility Location and Partners

According to an official airport press release, the vertistop will be located at the Atlantis surface parking lot at Orlando International Airport (MCO), adjacent to the airport train station. Once complete, the facility will support aircraft demonstration activities conducted in partnership with federal and state partners, including the FAA, FDOT, local air traffic control authorities, NASA, and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA).

The planning will also validate arrival and departure procedures evaluated through high-fidelity airspace simulation assessments.

A Key Component of Florida's 'Air Highway Network'

In March 2026, FDOT was selected as one of eight proposals accepted into the FAA's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). The three-year program aims to accelerate the safe integration of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft into the National Airspace System. The GOAA board's approval further advances Florida's AAM commercialization efforts.

"It's exciting to see the industry come together again to establish Florida's Air Highway Network," said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue. "This vertistop will play a critical role in the early stages of advanced air mobility along the I-4 corridor."

GOAA Executive Director Lance Lyttle, who oversees both Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport, said: "Today's action demonstrates our commitment to preparing Orlando International Airport — and airports across the state — for the future of aviation, while keeping safety, collaboration, and the passenger experience at the center of every step. We are deeply grateful for the support of the FAA, FDOT, local air traffic control, NASA, NATCA, and the many public and private stakeholders who are helping advance this work."

Minimal Infrastructure Design, No Disruption to Existing Flights

The vertistop will be designed in accordance with FAA guidelines, including FAA Engineering Brief 105A, as a minimally-infrastructured landing site. MCO's AAM planning is committed to avoiding disruption to existing air traffic by establishing procedures that operate independently of current airport operations. The airport's large land area and wide parallel runway spacing create favorable conditions for exploring eVTOL integration near the terminal.

All eVTOL aircraft operating near MCO are expected to use advanced surveillance and tracking technologies to enhance situational awareness for both pilots and air traffic controllers, further ensuring safe and efficient airspace integration.

Pathway to a Full Vertiport by 2030

The development of the Atlantis surface parking lot vertistop is a critical step in validating the site's feasibility for future commercial eVTOL operations within the airport, and forms part of GOAA's broader vision to build a full AAM vertiport at MCO by 2030.

More information: GOAA Official Press Release

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