Overview
- State officials announced Monday that SunTrax in Polk County now includes two vertiports and that electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft are expected to begin flight testing across the Central Florida aerospace region by the end of 2026.
- SunTrax will use its controlled 775-acre site to test aircraft operations, air-traffic coordination, security screening and communications systems before broader deployment.
- The facility continues to run autonomous and connected vehicle trials, with companies such as Waymo active in Florida and Tesla’s robotaxi activity noted in the Tampa area.
- Florida has partnered with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Polk State College to train pilots, air-traffic controllers and maintenance workers needed to operate and support eVTOLs.
- Officials say eVTOLs could shorten trips between population centers and aid medical or emergency response, but commercial use depends on FAA certification and successful integration into U.S. airspace.