Polk County Is Where Advanced Air Mobility Is Taking Flight
“Florida Simply Makes Sense”: eVTOL Growth Amplifies Momentum for Advanced Air Mobility in Polk
Polk County is emerging as a place where the future of transportation is moving from concept to commercialization.
At the center of that momentum is SunTrax, Florida Department of Transportation’s 775-acre research and development campus in Auburndale. Originally developed to advance connected and autonomous vehicle technologies, SunTrax has expanded into the skies with SunTrax Air, a purpose-built environment for the research, testing and commercialization of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
And the private sector is taking notice.
In August, two advanced air mobility companies announced plans to establish operations at SunTrax, providing a powerful indication that Florida’s investment in transportation innovation is creating opportunities for business growth in Polk County.
From Public Investment to Private-sector Growth
Florida has made a strategic investment in the infrastructure needed to develop emerging transportation technologies. SunTrax is a tangible result of that vision, providing companies with access to dedicated airspace, the nation’s first AAM Aerial Test Track, vertiports, high-speed aircraft charging stations, maintenance facilities and space for research, light manufacturing and final assembly.
The vision is already producing results.
AIR, a developer and manufacturer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, announced in August that it will establish its U.S. headquarters and an eVTOL production and flight operations hub at SunTrax.
In a press release from the company, CEO and co-founder of AIR, Rani Plaut, shared “Advanced air mobility is entering a new phase in the United States, moving from aircraft development toward production and real-world operations. Establishing AIR’s U.S. headquarters at SunTrax gives us the infrastructure and support needed to manufacture and operate our aircraft in America, while contributing to a strong domestic AAM industry. Florida simply makes sense for AIR. We already have more than 300 customers in the state, along with a growing network of partners, suppliers, and supporters. Florida is home to one of the world’s strongest aviation ecosystems, and its leadership has been incredibly proactive in advancing the infrastructure, policies, and resources needed to support Advanced Air Mobility. Establishing our operations here is a natural next step that will accelerate our growth and help shape AIR’s next chapter.”
Establishing AIR’s U.S. headquarters at SunTrax gives us the infrastructure and support needed to manufacture and operate our aircraft in America, while contributing to a strong domestic AAM industry. Florida simply makes sense for AIR.
Rani Plaut, CEO and Co-Founder, AIR
For Polk County, that is an important distinction. SunTrax isn’t simply attracting companies interested in testing new technology. It is beginning to attract companies looking to operate, manufacture, hire and grow.
Another International Company is Headed to SunTrax
AIR is not alone.
It is reported by AAM International that Skyfly Technologies, a United Kingdom-based aviation company developing the all-electric Axe aircraft, has signed a Letter of Intent with FDOT to establish U.S. operations at SunTrax.
Skyfly is targeting occupancy in the fourth quarter of 2026 as it expands into the American market. Its planned presence will include access to SunTrax’s testing environment as well as support for workforce development, grant opportunities and regulatory connections.
That is exactly the type of momentum economic-development organizations look for when an emerging industry begins to form a cluster.
An Ecosystem Designed for What Comes Next
AAM represents more than electric aircraft.
The technology has potential applications in passenger transportation, cargo delivery, medical transportation, emergency response and other specialized missions. As those applications develop, they will require an ecosystem of manufacturers, suppliers, engineers, technicians, researchers, technology companies and service providers.
SunTrax provides a foundation for that ecosystem.
Its location along the I-4 corridor puts emerging aviation technology within a broader transportation and logistics network. Its air and ground capabilities also create opportunities for technologies to be developed and tested together rather than in isolation.
On the ground, SunTrax continues to support connected and autonomous vehicle development, including testing on the only high-speed autonomous test track in the Southeastern United States.
In the air, SunTrax is creating a controlled environment where eVTOL aircraft and supporting technologies can progress toward real-world operations.
Together, those capabilities position Polk County at the intersection of rapidly developing transportation technologies.
A Foundation for Long-Term, Diverse, Economic Growth
The significance of SunTrax extends beyond the companies operating there today.
Infrastructure can be a catalyst for industry formation. When companies have access to specialized facilities, testing environments and transportation infrastructure, the barriers to entering and scaling in a new market can be reduced.
That can create a ripple effect.
New companies can bring jobs and investment. Suppliers can find new customers. Educational institutions can develop programs around emerging industry needs. Students can gain access to new career opportunities.
Polk County is already seeing the first pieces of that cycle come together.
FDOT’s investment created the infrastructure. AIR and Skyfly are putting that infrastructure to work. Polk County’s colleges and universities are developing the talent needed to support the industry. And the region’s location within Central Florida’s broader aerospace and transportation ecosystem provides a foundation for continued growth.
Advanced Air Mobility may still be an emerging industry, but in Polk County, the groundwork is already in place.
The future of transportation isn’t just being tested in Polk. It’s beginning to be built in Polk.
