Florida’s Flight Plan: Be First in AAM Ops | Aviation International News

Florida’s Flight Plan: Be First in AAM Ops

Panelists at NBAA Miami regional forum say Florida is at the forefront of eVTOL air taxis

2026 NBAA regional forum Miami — Panelists at the 2026 NBAA regional forum in Miami said the state of Florida appears poised to lead the way in eVTOL air taxis. © Chad Trautvetter/AIN

By Chad Trautvetter • Online Editor

February 25, 2026

Florida is aiming to be the pioneer for advanced air mobility (AAM) operations using eVTOL aircraft, panelists said this morning during the “Future of Flight in Florida” session at the NBAA Miami regional forum. NBAA president Ed Bolen noted that eVTOLs will be additive to business aviation, providing another “arrow in the quiver to get people where they need to be and when they need to be there.”

Vertiports by Atlantic Aviation senior v-p Roly Tapanes told attendees that Florida has been very forward-looking on AAM, notably Miami-Dade County, which includes the Miami–Opa Locka Executive Airport (KOPF), where the NBAA forum was held. “These quiet and safe aircraft are the front door for the next stage of business aviation, providing more access to new places,” he said. “Airlines have 500 airports, while there are 5,000 for general aviation, all of which can be used for AAM. Vertiports would be additive to that.”

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