Albert Whitted Enters the Electric Era as St. Pete Plans for Air Taxi Integration
St. Petersburg is officially positioning Albert Whitted Airport for the next chapter in aviation. The city’s Advanced Air Mobility Task Force has released its final recommendations, outlining how the downtown waterfront airport could support future electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, commonly referred to as air taxis or eVTOLs.
This is a planning phase, not an operational launch. No flights have been approved and no construction has begun. What the city has done is create a framework that allows Albert Whitted to adapt if and when this emerging technology becomes commercially viable.
A Waterfront Airport with a Forward Looking Strategy
Albert Whitted Airport has long held a unique place in St. Petersburg’s history. Located along the downtown waterfront, it is both a working general aviation airport and a symbolic landmark tied to the city’s early aviation legacy. The task force recommendations frame this new effort as a continuation of that legacy, aligning innovation with an existing aviation footprint rather than introducing a new site elsewhere in the city.
By focusing on Albert Whitted, the city is emphasizing compatibility with established infrastructure instead of expanding aviation operations into undeveloped areas.
Electric Aircraft and Regional Mobility Concepts
The recommendations center on Advanced Air Mobility technology, particularly electric aircraft designed for short regional trips. These aircraft are generally expected to carry between two and six passengers and operate at lower altitudes than commercial jets. Industry projections referenced in the report estimate travel ranges of approximately 60 to 200 miles, depending on aircraft design and battery capacity.
While the Federal Aviation Administration continues developing certification standards for these aircraft, municipalities across the country are evaluating how existing airports could accommodate them once regulatory approval is finalized.
For St. Petersburg, the focus remains on readiness rather than speculation.
Near Term Infrastructure Readiness at Albert Whitted
The task force outlines a phased approach beginning with preparatory steps over the next several years. Instead of immediately constructing a dedicated vertiport, the city would initially rely on existing airport infrastructure while adding targeted upgrades.
Recommended actions include identifying designated parking areas for Advanced Air Mobility aircraft, installing electric charging infrastructure, evaluating fire suppression capabilities, and ensuring operational compatibility with current runway use. This approach allows Albert Whitted to adapt gradually without committing to large scale redevelopment before market demand is clear. The emphasis is on flexibility and fiscal caution.
Long Range Vertiport Considerations
If the technology matures and commercial demand increases, the task force recommends planning for at least one dedicated vertiport at Albert Whitted within a four to ten year window. Additional vertiports could be considered depending on usage levels and regulatory guidance.
At this stage, no specific design has been approved and no construction timeline has been adopted. Any vertiport development would require further study, permitting, and public review. By separating short term preparation from long term infrastructure investment, the city preserves optionality while maintaining oversight.
Regional Connectivity and Innovation Partnerships
The report also highlights potential regional connections that could link Albert Whitted to destinations such as Tampa International Airport and the SunTrax testing facility in Auburndale. These corridors remain conceptual and would depend on federal airspace coordination, aircraft certification, and operator participation.
In addition, the task force recommends exploring the creation of a Jannus Center for Aviation and Innovation, envisioned as a hub for research, workforce development, and industry collaboration tied to Advanced Air Mobility. The proposal reflects an interest in economic development alongside transportation planning.
Any such center would require separate evaluation and funding consideration.
Zoning and Regulatory Framework Development
One of the more practical recommendations involves updating local regulations. St. Petersburg currently does not have a formal approval process for vertiports. The task force suggests establishing clear standards and application procedures should private property owners seek to develop one in the future.
Potential study areas mentioned in the report include established commercial districts such as Gateway, Carillon, Tyrone, Eckerd College, the Gas Plant redevelopment area, and locations near the Gulf Beaches. Inclusion in the report does not signal approval. It simply reflects areas that could warrant analysis if the industry advances.
City Council and administrative leadership would retain final authority over any zoning amendments or development approvals.
The Path Forward for St. Petersburg
With the task force now sunset, responsibility shifts to city leadership. The recommendations call for further study, including the selection of a consultant through an open procurement process and a more detailed alternative analysis for Albert Whitted Airport.
For residents, the key takeaway is that no operational changes are imminent. What exists today is a strategic blueprint that allows St. Petersburg to participate in the evolving Advanced Air Mobility landscape without rushing into premature commitments.
Albert Whitted remains fully operational as a general aviation airport. The difference now is that the city has formally acknowledged the possibility of electric regional air travel and outlined how it would evaluate that future carefully, deliberately, and within established regulatory boundaries.
As federal certification progresses and the private sector refines aircraft technology, St. Petersburg will have a framework in place to decide whether air taxis become part of its transportation mix.
