Last year, a coalition of local business, aviation and civic leaders were brought together to discuss the future of advanced air mobility (AAM) in St. Petersburg.
This technology relies on electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) – which have the potential to provide better efficiency and lower operating costs. They are also known as “air taxis.”
At the Thursday City Council meeting, Task Force chair Ed Montanari presented the group’s final report and recommendations.
One of the objectives was assessing Albert Whitted Airport’s potential role in “accommodating AAM.” Specifically, determining the feasibility of a vertiport – an area designed for eVTOLs to take off and land.
Additional tasks included exploring the need for standalone vertiports within the City, identifying laws and regulations at local, state and federal levels that may have an impact on developing AAM technology and evaluating potential funding sources.
Montanari first spoke about the City’s role in aviation history. In 1914, the world’s first commercial airline flight took off in St. Petersburg.
He then outlined both short term and long term AAM operation improvements for the Albert Whitted Airport. These include creating aircraft parking spots, adding electrical charging stations and fire safety systems. The task force also recommended that existing runways could be utilized for takeoffs and landings.
Within the next four to 10 years, Montanari added, “dedicated vertiports” should be built on the property based on the “market demand.”
However, it was recommended that these facilities do not interfere with regular airport activity. More research needs to be completed to determine where the vertiports will be placed, how they will be a part of the airport’s operations and what the cost benefit is.
“The foundation to aviation is safety,” he said. “Advanced air mobility needs to be safe and reliable.”
As for standalone vertiports at other locations, the Task Force suggested that the City explore areas that are close to commerce, business activity, employment centers, hospitals and tourist attractions. According to the report, these can include areas such as downtown, the Historic Gas Plant District, Carillon and Tyrone.
The St. Petersburg government can create, Montanari added, “minimum standards” for AAM development as well.
The Task Force recommended researching federal and state grant opportunities – which can help fund AAM infrastructure. Additionally, it suggested amending City Code sections to “accommodate vertiports and further define heliports,” according to the report.
A process to approve new vertiport and heliport sites should also be developed.
The group also recommended the creation of the Jannus Center for Aviation and Innovation within city boundaries. This facility would focus on education and workforce development, research and technology advancement, industry partnerships, economic development and manufacturing.
“Advanced air mobility represents the next transformational chapter of aviation, and St. Petersburg is once again in the position to lead,” he added. “I think it’s essential that the City of St. Petersburg begins AAM operations as quickly as possible.”
The Economic and Workforce Development Committee will continue discussions about AAM at a later date. A resolution for the Task Force to be sunsetted was unanimously approved by the City Council.