Governor Ron DeSantis Highlights Florida's One-of-a-Kind Facility to Advance the Future of Transportation
SunTrax AirGround will test eVTOL aircraft by end of year, support autonomous vehicle deployment across the state, and train Florida's workforce for advanced transportation technology
AUBURNDALE, Fla.— Today, Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted SunTrax, Florida’s premier, nation-leading facility for research and development of emerging transportation technologies and innovations. Located along the Interstate 4 (I-4) corridor in Polk County, the 775-acre SunTrax campus, which was initially built to test connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technologies, has now expanded to also include air technology.
This new expansion was purpose-built to help with the safe and innovative development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology, or “flying cars”. AAM will offer a brand-new transportation option to Florida’s communities that will relieve congestion and restore regional air services in the state. With this resource, Florida expects to host a series of AAM test flights by the end of the year.
"Great to be at the SunTrax Testing Grounds in Auburndale today to highlight Florida’s leadership in the future of transportation," said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. " By the end of this year, Florida will be actively testing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, while SunTrax Air Ground is actively testing and supporting the deployment of autonomous and connected vehicles. I was also proud to announce that FDOT is partnering with Embry Riddle and Polk State to help Florida students prepare for exciting career opportunities in the next generation of transportation. Florida has the innovation-friendly policies, the universities and research institutions, the infrastructure and forthcoming infrastructure investments, and the talent needed to become the premier location for emerging transportation technology.”
“SunTrax and Florida’s strategic plan to take highways to the sky are prime examples of why Florida remains a global leader in transportation,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “As our state continues to grow and transportation needs increase, AAM will be a great addition to Florida’s world-class transportation portfolio that serves and benefits all travelers.”
“Polk State College is pleased to be a lead partner with FDOT in supporting workforce development and preparing the next generation of professionals for the future of aviation,” said Polk State College President Anastasios Kamoutsas. “Florida’s strategic investments in advanced air mobility and autonomous vehicles will help create high-paying jobs while building the skilled workforce needed to support this emerging industry. SunTrax provides an invaluable resource for hands-on training and research, giving our students rare opportunities to gain experience with cutting-edge technology right here in Polk County. This partnership will help position our students for success while driving innovation and economic growth throughout the region and across Florida.”
As the governor announced today, by the end of this year, SunTrax Air Ground will be actively testing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft throughout the Central Florida aerospace region. SunTrax Air was purpose-built to support the safe and innovative development of Advanced Air Mobility, and is home to the nation’s first dedicated AAM Aerial Test Track. The facility provides companies with a controlled environment to test aircraft and communications technology under real-world conditions, while additional tenant hangars will provide opportunities for research, light manufacturing and final assembly.
AAM has the potential to provide new transportation options for passenger air taxis, cargo delivery, medical transportation and emergency response. Florida was also specially selected to lead the development of safety and operational policies for eVTOL and AAM technology through the Federal Aviation Administration's electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) and AAM Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). Cutting-edge research supporting Florida’s participation in the national initiative is being conducted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
At the same time, SunTrax Air Ground is actively testing and supporting the deployment of autonomous and connected vehicles on Florida’s transportation system. SunTrax provides companies with a controlled, real-world testing environment, including the only high-speed autonomous test track in the Southeastern United States, along with simulated weather conditions, urban environments, pedestrian crossings, roadway inclines and other scenarios that allow emerging technologies to be tested before broader deployment.
That technology is already moving beyond the test track. Waymo, a leader in fully autonomous ride-hailing, has provided hundreds of thousands of trips in Florida. Residents and visitors in Miami and Orlando can already use Waymo for fully autonomous rides, and the company has expanded its Florida operations to include autonomous highway driving across South Florida. Waymo is also preparing to expand into Tampa, where it has completed mapping, begun rider-only testing and conducted hands-on safety training with local emergency personnel, with commercial service expected to launch this fall.
Waymo works directly with FDOT, local law enforcement and first responders to support the safe integration of autonomous vehicles into Florida’s transportation network.
As these technologies move from development and testing toward deployment, Florida is also preparing the workforce needed to operate them. FDOT is partnering with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Polk State College to develop training and credentialing opportunities for the next generation of pilots, maintenance technicians, engineers and other transportation professionals. These partnerships will help ensure Florida has the skilled personnel needed to test, maintain and operate advanced transportation technology as the industry continues to grow.
These unique resources found only in Florida further demonstrate the state’s position as a national leader in transportation. The cutting-edge research and testing at SunTrax will keep our state’s transportation system on the forefront of innovation, help ease congestion with new travel options, strengthen the state’s supply chain, and support a safe and efficient travel experience for Florida’s residents and visitors.
For more information, visit Suntraxfl.com.
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