Florida Hosts First Advanced Air Mobility Symposium on Future Aviation
More than 300 researchers, policymakers, and aviation leaders convened at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for the inaugural Florida Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Symposium, a two-day event focused on the future of next-generation aircraft and their potential to reshape passenger and cargo transportation while driving economic growth.
Held May 11-12 at the university’s Daytona Beach campus, the symposium was organized by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in partnership with Embry-Riddle. The gathering united experts from government, academia, and industry to discuss the safe integration, development, and economic opportunities associated with AAM technologies in Florida and across the United States. The event concluded with a live flight demonstration from BETA Technologies, an electric aerospace manufacturer.
Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue described the symposium as a major step toward Florida’s goal of becoming the nation’s first state to support commercial AAM operations. He emphasized that collaboration among industry stakeholders will be essential in accelerating the adoption of these emerging technologies and bringing them into Florida’s airspace.
Advanced Air Mobility encompasses a wide range of innovative aircraft, including autonomous drones and passenger air taxis. The sector is expected to expand rapidly, creating substantial economic opportunities and high-skilled jobs. With companies actively testing aircraft and federal agencies working on airspace integration, discussions at the symposium focused on technology, infrastructure, communications, air traffic management, safety, policy, workforce development, and security challenges surrounding AAM.
Participants also examined how AAM could generate economic value, aligning closely with the mission of Embry-Riddle’s David B. O'Maley College of Business to advance aviation and aerospace business education.
P. Barry Butler, president of Embry-Riddle, highlighted the university’s commitment to supporting collaborative efforts that will shape the future of aviation. He noted that the institution’s research capabilities and partnerships with industry and government strengthen Florida’s position as a leading center for AAM innovation.
Experts at the symposium explored the use of AAM technologies in emergency response, firefighting, rescue missions, and medical transportation. Discussions also covered various aircraft categories, including vertical- and short-takeoff systems, along with propulsion methods such as electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered technologies.
Panel sessions addressed practical aspects of implementing AAM, including the development of electrified infrastructure, construction of vertiports, integration into complex airspace systems, workforce training for pilots and maintenance crews, and public acceptance of new forms of air transportation. Additional discussions focused on operational strategies, economic development opportunities, infrastructure planning, and security considerations.
Government officials and aviation executives agreed that safety must remain the top priority as AAM operations move closer to commercialization. They also noted that the industry has the potential to modernize aviation by lowering noise levels, improving air traffic systems, advancing automation, and expanding air travel access in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
Speakers credited Ron DeSantis and Florida lawmakers for fostering a supportive environment for AAM advancement. Florida has already updated legislation to allow vertiports and electric charging systems to qualify for transportation funding and is home to key AAM infrastructure projects such as FDOT’s SunTrax Air facility, which includes the country’s first dedicated AAM test track.
Attendees also witnessed a live demonstration from BETA Technologies, which showcased its fully electric fixed-wing aircraft, the ALIA CTOL, at Embry-Riddle’s Flight Line near Daytona Beach International Airport. Participants additionally experienced an immersive electric vertical takeoff and landing simulator from Joby Aviation, a developer of electric passenger air taxis.
Jeremy Ernst, vice president for Research and Doctoral Programs at Embry-Riddle, said the symposium offered attendees a unique opportunity to explore strategies for integrating AAM technologies into existing transportation systems. He added that participants were able to engage directly with emerging technologies, learn about current research efforts, and connect with government and industry leaders to identify future opportunities for AAM expansion.
Embry-Riddle, FDOT, and the state of Florida plan to continue working alongside industry partners to accelerate the integration of Advanced Air Mobility through technological innovation, infrastructure development, policy planning, and workforce training initiatives aimed at shaping the future of aviation in the United States.
Held May 11-12 at the university’s Daytona Beach campus, the symposium was organized by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in partnership with Embry-Riddle. The gathering united experts from government, academia, and industry to discuss the safe integration, development, and economic opportunities associated with AAM technologies in Florida and across the United States. The event concluded with a live flight demonstration from BETA Technologies, an electric aerospace manufacturer.
Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue described the symposium as a major step toward Florida’s goal of becoming the nation’s first state to support commercial AAM operations. He emphasized that collaboration among industry stakeholders will be essential in accelerating the adoption of these emerging technologies and bringing them into Florida’s airspace.
Advanced Air Mobility encompasses a wide range of innovative aircraft, including autonomous drones and passenger air taxis. The sector is expected to expand rapidly, creating substantial economic opportunities and high-skilled jobs. With companies actively testing aircraft and federal agencies working on airspace integration, discussions at the symposium focused on technology, infrastructure, communications, air traffic management, safety, policy, workforce development, and security challenges surrounding AAM.
Participants also examined how AAM could generate economic value, aligning closely with the mission of Embry-Riddle’s David B. O'Maley College of Business to advance aviation and aerospace business education.
P. Barry Butler, president of Embry-Riddle, highlighted the university’s commitment to supporting collaborative efforts that will shape the future of aviation. He noted that the institution’s research capabilities and partnerships with industry and government strengthen Florida’s position as a leading center for AAM innovation.
Experts at the symposium explored the use of AAM technologies in emergency response, firefighting, rescue missions, and medical transportation. Discussions also covered various aircraft categories, including vertical- and short-takeoff systems, along with propulsion methods such as electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered technologies.
Panel sessions addressed practical aspects of implementing AAM, including the development of electrified infrastructure, construction of vertiports, integration into complex airspace systems, workforce training for pilots and maintenance crews, and public acceptance of new forms of air transportation. Additional discussions focused on operational strategies, economic development opportunities, infrastructure planning, and security considerations.
Government officials and aviation executives agreed that safety must remain the top priority as AAM operations move closer to commercialization. They also noted that the industry has the potential to modernize aviation by lowering noise levels, improving air traffic systems, advancing automation, and expanding air travel access in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
Speakers credited Ron DeSantis and Florida lawmakers for fostering a supportive environment for AAM advancement. Florida has already updated legislation to allow vertiports and electric charging systems to qualify for transportation funding and is home to key AAM infrastructure projects such as FDOT’s SunTrax Air facility, which includes the country’s first dedicated AAM test track.
Attendees also witnessed a live demonstration from BETA Technologies, which showcased its fully electric fixed-wing aircraft, the ALIA CTOL, at Embry-Riddle’s Flight Line near Daytona Beach International Airport. Participants additionally experienced an immersive electric vertical takeoff and landing simulator from Joby Aviation, a developer of electric passenger air taxis.
Jeremy Ernst, vice president for Research and Doctoral Programs at Embry-Riddle, said the symposium offered attendees a unique opportunity to explore strategies for integrating AAM technologies into existing transportation systems. He added that participants were able to engage directly with emerging technologies, learn about current research efforts, and connect with government and industry leaders to identify future opportunities for AAM expansion.
Embry-Riddle, FDOT, and the state of Florida plan to continue working alongside industry partners to accelerate the integration of Advanced Air Mobility through technological innovation, infrastructure development, policy planning, and workforce training initiatives aimed at shaping the future of aviation in the United States.
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