Eve Air Mobility has entered into a strategic partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to accelerate the development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure and operations in the state. The collaboration will leverage FDOT’s SunTrax Air facility, a dedicated testing and validation hub, to create the operational blueprint for commercial electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) services.
Building the Foundation for eVTOL Operations
The initiative, led by FDOT, focuses on integrating Eve’s expertise in eVTOL aircraft design and certification with SunTrax Air’s capabilities in research, testing, and validation. Key areas of work include infrastructure requirements, operational procedures, and airspace integration to safely incorporate AAM into Florida’s broader transportation network. The partnership builds on an existing relationship between Eve and FDOT, with both parties committed to positioning Florida as a national leader in AAM.
Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility, said: “Florida recognises its strategic role in the future of Advanced Air Mobility and is proactively building the ecosystem needed to support it.” The company, a subsidiary of Embraer, has been actively pursuing partnerships and orders for its eVTOL aircraft, including a recent letter of intent with Shearwater for up to 16 aircraft. Eve Air Mobility Signs LOI with Shearwater for Up to 16 eVTOL Aircraft
SunTrax Air: A Hub for AAM Innovation
SunTrax Air, owned and operated by FDOT, serves as a collaborative environment for evaluating next-generation aviation technologies. The facility provides a controlled setting for testing aircraft performance, ground infrastructure, and passenger handling procedures. FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue emphasised the importance of the partnership, noting that SunTrax’s unique resources will be critical in ensuring the safe integration of AAM into Florida’s transportation system.
The collaboration will evaluate operational concepts, infrastructure readiness, and passenger experience, supporting Florida’s long-term transportation strategy. This includes assessing vertiport designs, charging infrastructure, and airspace management systems that will be essential for commercial eVTOL operations.
Implications for the Travel Industry
For travel professionals, the development of AAM infrastructure in Florida signals a shift toward urban air mobility as a viable transport option. Airlines, hoteliers, and tour operators may eventually integrate eVTOL services into their offerings, particularly for airport-to-city centre transfers and regional connections. The partnership also highlights the growing role of public-private collaborations in shaping the future of mobility, similar to initiatives seen in other regions such as Dubai’s soft mobility plan. Dubai's RTA Unveils Five-Year Soft Mobility Plan to Boost Last-Mile Connectivity
Eve Air Mobility’s work with FDOT is part of a broader trend of governments and private companies investing in AAM ecosystems. As regulatory frameworks evolve and technology matures, Florida could become a testbed for commercial eVTOL operations, offering lessons for other states and countries. The partnership also aligns with broader industry efforts to develop sustainable aviation solutions, including partnerships in uncrewed systems and cross-border technology integration. Airbus and LIG D&A Deepen Partnership on Next-Gen Uncrewed Aerial Systems
With this collaboration, Eve and FDOT aim to accelerate the commercialisation of AAM, potentially opening new revenue streams for travel and transportation companies. The focus on infrastructure and operational readiness suggests that commercial eVTOL services in Florida could become a reality within the next few years, reshaping how travellers move within the state and beyond.
