Press

ORLANDO, Fla. – Researchers from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University are conducting a systematic evaluation of the impacts of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) vehicles, such as air taxis and autonomous air delivery aircraft, on airport operations at Orlando International Airport.

The project, which uses advanced simulation modeling, is a collaboration between the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which operates and manages Orlando International Airport; Embry-Riddle’s College of Aviation; and the university’s Center for Aerospace Resilient Systems (CARS).

The study will consider how to increase safety and air traffic flow efficiency with the integration of AAM aircraft into existing airport operations.

“Through this research, Embry-Riddle and GOAA aim to stay at the forefront of aviation innovation and to provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry leaders and other stakeholders regarding the future of aerial transportation,” said Dr. Victor Fraticelli Rivera and Dr. Robert Thomas, assistant professors of Aeronautical Science, in a joint statement.

The collaboration with Embry-Riddle, renowned for its aviation and aerospace higher education and research, is part of GOAA’s positioning as a leader in the adoption of AAM operations and as an AAM hub.

“Our partnership with Embry-Riddle symbolizes a commitment to solidify Florida as the leader in this emerging technology,” said Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of GOAA. “By using modeling software to explore how AAM vehicles may impact airport operations, along with learning more about how to integrate AAM into controlled airspace, we will be better prepared to begin testing for real-world scenarios.”

The project will involve graduate students trained in the latest simulation modeling software and the technical support of CARS and its director of operations, Carlos Castro-Peña. Results of the project will be delivered to GOAA by the end of 2024 and will likely be published at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving more than 50 million annual passengers in its Main Terminal and Terminal C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.

About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the world’s largest, most comprehensive institution specializing in aviation, aviation business, aerospace, engineering and STEM-related degree programs. A fully accredited university, Embry-Riddle is also a major research center, seeking solutions to real-world problems in partnership with the aerospace industry, other universities and government agencies. For more information, visit https://erau.edu/, follow us on Twitter (@EmbryRiddle) and facebook.com/EmbryRiddleUniversity