Tampa, FL – Florida officials say the state is preparing to test a new type of air transportation that could significantly shorten travel times across the Tampa Bay region.
Federal transportation officials recently approved Florida to participate in a national initiative focused on testing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, commonly referred to as flying taxis.
The program is designed to evaluate how the aircraft can safely operate within existing airspace while exploring future commercial use. Testing could begin as early as the summer of 2026.
The Florida Department of Transportation will oversee the project as part of a larger federal effort to advance advanced air mobility technology.
Several aviation companies developing electric air taxi aircraft are expected to participate in the program.
These aircraft are designed to take off and land vertically like a helicopter but transition to forward flight similar to a small airplane.
Local officials in St. Petersburg have been exploring potential locations that could support the technology.
One proposal involves using Albert Whitted Airport, located near downtown St. Petersburg along Tampa Bay, as a base for future operations.
City planners have discussed building specialized landing areas known as vertiports where aircraft could land, load passengers and recharge batteries.
A possible flight route between Albert Whitted Airport and Tampa International Airport has also been considered.
If implemented, the air taxi service could significantly reduce the time it takes to travel between the two cities.
A trip that may take 45 minutes or longer by car could potentially be completed in only a few minutes by air.
Officials say further testing will evaluate safety, infrastructure needs and how the aircraft integrate with existing aviation systems.