Latest news with #GOAA
Travel Daily News
28-05-2025
- Science
- Travel Daily News
Advanced air mobility operations at Orlando International Airport
Embry‑Riddle research shows air taxis and autonomous aircraft can safely integrate into Orlando International Airport without disrupting commercial flights. DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. – A study by Embry‑Riddle researchers has demonstrated that advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles, such as air taxis and autonomous aircraft, could be integrated at Orlando International Airport in Florida without disrupting existing commercial air traffic. The research, published in April in the MDPI journal Aerospace, represents one of the first evaluations of AAM integration at a major U.S. airport, according to the peer-reviewed paper. The study was commissioned by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), the public entity that operates and manages Orlando International Airport. The researchers collaborated with the aviation authority to identify preferred 'corridors' within Orlando International's airspace that could accommodate the integration of AAM aircraft. These futuristic aircraft – capable of vertical takeoff and landing or short takeoff and landing operations – are emerging to transport people or cargo in urban and regional areas. Using historical air traffic data from one of the airport's busiest days – March 25, 2023 – the researchers employed state-of-the-art modeling software to simulate the effects of AAM integration on potential wake turbulence and air traffic conflicts. The software, known as Total Airspace and Airport Modeler, can simulate existing and redesigned airspace, flight schedules, aircraft paths, wake turbulence, airport ground operations and many other factors. Using this advanced simulation modeling, the study found that operating up to 22 AAM vehicles would result in zero air traffic or wake turbulence conflicts. The researchers said that the study has established a foundation for other researchers and airport officials to understand the operational impacts and factors of integrating AAM aircraft into the National Airspace System in a safe and controlled environment. According to the published paper, examining the ramifications of integrating AAM into the current air transportation system is critical due to the potential impact 'on the safety of the traveling public.' Dr. Victor Fraticelli Rivera, assistant professor of Aeronautical Science, said that the study, conducted at one of the nation's busiest airports, 'offers an opportunity to explore innovative transportation solutions within congested, complex and highly regulated airspace,' adding that 'collaboration with all stakeholders in the aviation and aerospace ecosystem is vital to ensure AAM's sustainable, efficient and safe integration.' Also involved in the study were Dr. Robert Thomas, associate professor of Aeronautical Science; Carlos Castro Peña, director of operations for Embry‑Riddle's Center for Aerospace Resilient Systems; and Sakurako Kuba, a Ph.D. candidate in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, whose research focuses on aviation and aerospace cybersecurity, air traffic simulation and airspace traffic pattern visualization. Kuba's role in the project was simulating air traffic using the historical flight data and implementing conceptual AAM configurations at the airport to quantify airspace impact, she said. 'Contributing to real-world challenges in AAM development provides students with valuable exposure to the future of airspace operations,' Kuba said. 'It allows us to grasp the idea of existing airspace management and to better understand how next-gen airspace development is evolving.' Kuba said collaboration with industry partners and receiving their feedback was also particularly valuable. 'It not only helps us grow professionally but also builds confidence in our skills and prepares us for impactful careers in this emerging field,' she said. Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, said the study complements an ongoing collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration's Innovate 28 program, which explores integrating AAM safely into Orlando International's airspace. 'We appreciate the partnership with Embry‑Riddle,' Lyttle said, 'and hope the research will advance connection and innovation within the Central Florida aerospace ecosystem.'
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Pack the Plane' community support event reaches new heights
During the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) community event 'Pack the Plane,' a Diamond DA50 aircraft delivered food donations totaling about 2,312 meals to families in need via Second Harvest Food Bank. The event gathered a total of 2,774 pounds of food, exceeding the combined capacity of two Diamond DA50 aircraft, each capable of carrying 1,232 pounds. The event was organized in collaboration with several partners, including Sheltair, Atlantic Aviation, My Flight, Northern Jet, Orange County Sheriff's Office, Advent Health, Women in Aviation, the Air Line Pilots Association, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and held at Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). 'We are grateful to everyone who came out to make Pack the Plane a success by supporting families in the communities where we live and work,' said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of GOAA, which manages MCO and ORL. 'Our partnerships help to foster hope that working together, we can make a difference when it comes to hunger and gives Second Harvest Food Bank fuel for its mission to create hope and nourish lives through a hunger relief network.' The event also included some wonderful community-focused activities! Attendees enjoyed aircraft displays, lively music, delicious food trucks and special appearances by the MCO Paw Pilots and Sparky, the beloved mascot of the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) team. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Orlando airport authority has target to name new CEO
Editor's note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is closer to naming its new CEO. Tim Weisheyer, chair of the GOAA board, said during a Feb. 19 board meeting Los Angeles-based search firm Korn Ferry — which handled GOAA's prior CEO search — initially identified 45 candidates and has slimmed those down to 13. Remaining candidates will be further whittled down through discussions with board members to identify who to interview. The authority oversees both Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport — the former of which is the busiest airport in Florida, with 57.21 million flyers during 2024. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal's website. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
