Florida Unveils Aerial Highway Network: A Leap into Advanced Air Mobility
In a bold move to transform transportation across the Sunshine State, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has released its comprehensive Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Business Plan, outlining the creation of an innovative "Aerial Highway Network." This network aims to connect major metropolitan areas using electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, promising faster, more efficient travel for passengers and freight.
The plan, detailed in a November 2025 document, positions Florida as a pioneer in AAM technology. By leveraging low-altitude flight corridors—dubbed "highways in the sky"—the network will enable eVTOL vehicles to operate at altitudes between 1,200 and 4,000 feet above ground level, cruising at speeds of 120-200 mph while carrying 4-6 passengers or up to 1,000 pounds of cargo.
Central to the initiative is the I-4 corridor, selected as the initial deployment area due to high travel demand between Orlando, Tampa, and the Space Coast. This phase will serve as a launchpad, with expansions planned to the east and west coasts, including routes from Port St. Lucie to Miami, Tampa to Naples, and even Miami to Key West. Further phases will link northern cities like Pensacola to Tallahassee and Daytona Beach to Jacksonville, ultimately creating a statewide web by 2050.
At the heart of this development is SunTrax, designated as Florida's AAM Headquarters. Located off I-4, this facility will undergo phased expansions starting with vertiports, charging stations, and maintenance hangars. Construction began in September 2025, with full operations expected by late 2026. SunTrax will not only support commercial flights but also advance research in airspace integration, cybersecurity, and workforce training through partnerships with universities like Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the University of Central Florida.
The eVTOL aircraft themselves represent cutting-edge technology: electric-powered, quiet (under 65 dB), and capable of ranges up to 250 miles. Initial operations will rely on visual flight rules (VFR), transitioning to instrument flight rules (IFR) for broader commercial use. Infrastructure includes full-service vertiports with high-powered charging (up to 700 kW), battery energy storage systems, and multimodal connections to airports, rail, and ports.
The benefits are substantial. Travel times could be slashed by over 50%—for instance, Orlando to Tampa in under an hour versus 2-3 hours by car. Projections estimate 220,000 to 1.4 million passenger trips in the opening year of 2027, growing to 11-18.7 million by 2050. Freight transport, focusing on high-value items like medical supplies and perishables, is forecasted to handle 97-156 tons initially, expanding to 10,500-16,800 tons. Economically, the network could generate $6 million to $41 million in gross profit by 2027, ballooning to $750 million to $2.5 billion by mid-century.
Stakeholders span government, academia, and industry. Governor Ron DeSantis signed enabling legislation (SB 1662), while FDOT collaborates with the FAA, 14 airports (including Miami International and Orlando International), and private operators. Safety remains paramount, with hazard mitigation for electrical, thermal, and environmental risks, ensuring compliance with federal standards.
This Aerial Highway Network isn't just about speed—it's about redefining mobility in Florida, alleviating congestion, boosting tourism, and fostering innovation. As FDOT accelerates implementation, the state is poised to lead the nation in aerial transportation, turning science fiction into everyday reality.