News Summary
St. Petersburg’s Advanced Air Mobility Task Force is moving ahead with plans to implement air taxis in the city, focusing on electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (EVTOLs). A vital meeting with EVTOL manufacturers will discuss operational necessities. The task force aims to use Albert Whitted Airport as a hub for future air taxi routes. Challenges such as safety and public acceptance will be addressed as the project evolves, with a comprehensive plan expected by January 2026.
St. Petersburg leaders are moving forward with plans to explore the implementation of air taxis in the city. The Advanced Air Mobility Task Force is currently focusing on the development and introduction of electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (EVTOLs), which are innovative hybrid transport options that combine elements of airplanes, helicopters, and drones. A significant meeting is scheduled for Monday at 5 p.m., where task force members will convene with EVTOL manufacturers to discuss technical requirements and operational necessities for bringing this mode of transportation to St. Petersburg.
During this meeting, participants will have the opportunity to view mock-ups of the EVTOL vehicles, allowing for a visual understanding of the new technology in the aviation sector. The task force aims to establish key operational routes, primarily utilizing Albert Whitted Airport as a hub for the air taxi network. Potential flight paths may include connections to St. Pete-Clearwater Airport and Tampa International Airport.
The formation of the task force has been inspired by successful air mobility projects in major urban markets, such as Los Angeles, New York, and Dubai. As they strategize the integration of air taxis into local transportation systems, technical guidelines, safety protocols, and federal regulatory compliance will be at the forefront of their discussions in upcoming sessions.
Progress Reports and Future Plans
The Advanced Air Mobility Task Force, chaired by Ed Montanari, is tasked with offering significant updates on air taxi initiatives, including the release of their second progress report in November 2025. A comprehensive final plan is expected by January 2026, detailing the steps and infrastructure required to move forward with air taxi operations in the city.
As the project unfolds, challenges such as addressing noise concerns and ensuring public acceptance of EVTOL technology will be critical to its success. Furthermore, the task force is evaluating whether human pilots will operate these vehicles or if they can be fully autonomous, a topic that may influence public perception and regulatory approvals.
Infrastructure Development
To support the expected advent of EVTOLs, Albert Whitted Airport is being considered as a central hub equipped with vertiports, special landing areas designed for these aircraft. The development of these infrastructures is essential for facilitating operations and ensuring a seamless integration of air taxis into the existing transportation network.
Future potential applications for EVTOLs are extensive and include not only passenger transport but also cargo delivery and medical services. The task force anticipates that advancements in battery technology will continue to expand the range and efficiency of these vehicles, making them more viable for everyday use.
Current Initiatives
In preparation for the possible integration of air mobility solutions into St. Petersburg, the city government is actively working on zoning and infrastructure analyses. These preliminary evaluations are crucial to lay the groundwork for the infrastructure needed to accommodate air taxis, ensuring that St. Petersburg remains competitive as a future transportation hub.
Insights and best practices from other cities that have initiated similar air mobility technologies will be leveraged to shape St. Petersburg’s approach, ensuring a well-informed and strategic development path as the city investigates the feasibility of air taxis.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: Electric Air Taxis in St. Pete
- Wikipedia: Air Taxi
- 987 The Shark: Plans for Electric Air Taxi Network
- Google Search: Air Taxis St Petersburg
- Fox 13 News: St. Pete Task Force on Aviation
- Google Scholar: Air Taxis
- St. Pete Catalyst: St. Pete Prepares for EVTOLs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing
- Spectrum Local News: St. Pete Airport Director to Step Down
- Google News: EVTOL Technology
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
