ORLANDO, Fla.— The Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) has reaffirmed its assessment of a series of bonds issued by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. KBRA maintained its AA rating and Stable outlook on a series of General Airport Revenue Bonds (GARB). The favorable evaluation is the result of Orlando International Airport (MCO) continuing to trend upward on its performance arc.

According to KBRA, the AA rating was influenced by:

• MCO’s substantial, long-established leisure and hospitality component of its passenger traffic, coupled with the region’s rapidly growing and diversifying economic base. • MCO’s exceptionally strong utilization profile reflects historically favorable enplanement growth, very little reliance on connecting traffic activity and a diverse carrier mix. • MCO’s position as the second largest origin and destination (O&D) airport in the U.S. and the top O&D airport in Florida. • Monthly enplanement records were set in every month of FY 2023, with record passenger traffic continuing in each of the first three months of FY 2024. • Significant funding derived from non-airline sources.

Another positive factor noted by KBRA was the Authority’s rates agreement with its airline partners, which affords considerable flexibility in undertaking capital projects without the requirement of airline approval.

The Stable Outlook reflects:

• Expectations for continued growth in O&D market activity given the region’s status as a leading global tourism destination. • The success of the Authority’s highly effective management team in airport operations, strategic planning and the implementation of complex capital.

The Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford market is a leading global venue for tourism. With seven of t

ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Floridians hold great pride for the neighboring Space Coast industry, which is expected to expand with almost 100 launches in 2024, topping the record-breaking 72 launches in 2023. The stories and figures behind the exciting industry are worth sharing with Central Floridians and visitors as well.

In recognition of space travel and Black History Month, Orlando International Airport is recognizing the contributions of African-American astronauts in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) program. The special exhibit, on Level 3 of the Main Terminal, near the security checkpoint for Gates 70-129, salutes 18 astronauts.

The featured astronauts come from cities around the country, propelled into the space industry by education and training as military pilots, engineers, scientists, and physicians. They have made history with their accomplishments and contributions, and they serve as inspiration for future generations. Spanning decades of historical milestones, the exhibit includes pioneers such as Guion S. Bluford Jr., the first African American to travel into space in 1983 aboard the Challenger, and relative newcomers like Jessica Watkins, who now holds the record as the African-American woman with the most time in space, having spent 170 days on the International Space Station in 2022.

“The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority salutes the achievements of these astronauts and countless other African Americans in the aerospace industry who make spaceflights possible,” said Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “We thank them for their extraordinary dreams and dedication.”

The exhibit will be on display through March 7, 2024.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving more than 50 million annual passengers in its Main Terminal and Terminal C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.