In November 2023, Germany-based Volocopter completed the first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) test flight at a large U.S. airport, and the first in Florida, in Tampa. Photo: Tampa International Airport.
A task force established to help St. Petersburg capitalize on the rapidly evolving advanced air mobility industry has provided its final recommendations to city officials.
The group of local business and civic leaders began meeting in April 2025, primarily to study Albert Whitted Airport’s role in accommodating electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs). Former City Councilmember Ed Montanari, who led the task force and provided its findings Thursday, implored current officials to “begin advanced air mobility operations as soon as possible.”
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is a nascent aerospace sector that typically utilizes eVTOLs to move people and cargo. While often referred to as air taxis, the vehicles can also perform delivery, disaster relief, surveillance, and search and rescue services.
“This technology is going to transform the way that people get around,” Montanari said. “I don’t know if people are aware that this technology is coming, but it’s going to change the way we do business.”
A map highlighting potential areas for vertiports (red box) and aircraft parking (red circle) at Albert Whitted Airport. Image: City documents.
St. Petersburg is the birthplace of commercial aviation, and Montanari said it “needs to be a leader” in AAM. However, he also stressed the need to protect traditional aviation uses at Albert Whitted.
Montanari, appointed by Mayor Ken Welch to oversee the task force in January 2025, advocated for safe and reliable eVTOL services and for officials to integrate plans into regional and state initiatives. The Florida Department of Transportation announced in October that it will build an AAM testing facility in Polk County.
While a “robust public engagement strategy is essential,” Montanari said that it “does not seem to be happening right now.” When asked when someone could fly the first eVTOL over St. Petersburg, he said, “That could happen any day … They’re flying in California right now.”
The task force highlighted areas at Albert Whitted that could house vertiports – a specially designed helipad for eVTOLs. Members recommended building associated infrastructure – parking spots for aircraft, electrical charging stations, and fire safety systems – within the next three years.
Montanari, a former fighter and commercial jet pilot, said existing runways could accommodate eVTOLs as a short-term solution. The task force recommended building dedicated vertiports on the airport’s south side in the future, according to market demand.
“We made a determination that the market needs to decide where standalone vertiports are going to be outside of the airport,” Montanari added. “The city needs to create a process to approve new vertiport and heliport sites.”
He said connecting eVTOL service from Albert Whitted to Tampa International Airport should also be a priority, as multiple manufacturers have partnered with national airlines. The task force also believes that St. Petersburg should help “promote and coordinate” AAM efforts throughout the region.
City council members applauded the task force’s proposed Jannus Center for Aviation and Innovation. Image: City Documents.
Another recommendation highlighted Thursday is to create a Jannus Center for Aviation and Innovation. The facility would support education, workforce and economic development, research and technology, industry partnerships, and manufacturing.
Montanari said St. Petersburg has been an “innovative city since its founding,” and AAM is a “disruptive industry that is going to change the way the world works.” He believes the Jannus Center could help the city attract manufacturers, “whether it’s components or vehicles.”
China already allows eVTOLS to carry passengers, Montanari noted, and drone delivery services are expanding throughout the U.S. He said the Federal Aviation Administration could begin certifying AAM aircraft by the end of 2026.
Councilmember Corey Givens Jr. said St. Petersburg College and Pinellas Technical College have “shown a great deal of interest” in providing related training. “It’s something that’s missing.”
Montanari has discussed educational aspects, a key component of the Jannus Center, with Pinellas County school district Superintendent Kevin Hendrick. Councilmember Copley Gerdes said he was “super excited” to hear about the proposed facility.
“This is really what I think sets this apart from just saying, ‘Yes, we want eVTOLs,’ and ‘Yes, eVTOLs are coming,’” Gerdes continued. “This is bringing it to a whole different level.”
The council agreed to discuss next steps at a future committee meeting, potentially in March. Montanari said those should include an analysis to “identify exactly where” the city should place AAM infrastructure at Albert Whitted, and how that would integrate into current operations.
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