Central Florida is poised to become the leading edge in the development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). On December 21, 2023, a bill was introduced into the Florida House of Representatives designating the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) as the AAM test site for the State of Florida.

As defined in the legislation, Advanced Air Mobility is an air transportation system that primarily uses powered-lift aircraft to carry passengers or cargo in an urban or regional setting. Developing a network of Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft and vertiport facilities will provide residents and visitors access to a rapid and flexible mode of local transportation. AAM could also serve as a platform for medical transportation, emergency services, law enforcement and disaster relief.

“The Aviation Authority is grateful for the support of State Representative Doug Bankson, who recognized the important assets available at GOAA-operated facilities,” said Kevin J. Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “As an industry leader in multimodal connectivity, Orlando International Airport is a natural fit to function as a test site. With our availability of land, we are uniquely situated to enhance the research, development and commercialization of AAM.”

As an organization, the Aviation Authority has a long history of advancing emerging aviation technology.GOAA is proud to once again contribute to a collaborative process that will benefit the industry’s future. By working in concert with the Florida Department of Transportation, the state’s other leading airports and the manufacturers of these specialized aircraft, the combined expertise will re-invent the dynamic of shorter distance, point-to-point air transport.

According to industry experts, the integration of AAM into today’s National Airspace System has the potential to reduce carbon emissions, reduce noise impacts, create new jobs, provide air service to underserved communities and create opportunities for new and diversified revenue streams for airports.

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

ORLANDO, Fla. – Employees with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) played the role of Santa’s helpers during a month-long Toy Drive for the Children’s Home Society of Florida, which provided GOAA with holiday wish lists for children ages 1 to 18. More than 120 toys were collected.

“This is just one of the ways our employees like to give back to the community,” said Kevin J. Thibault, CEO, GOAA. “The Children’s Home Society of Florida does incredible work to empower families who are going through difficulties, and their mission to serve these families is amazing. We are glad to partner with an organization that truly makes a difference.”

GOAA’s Human Resources Department spearheads the drive, which collects toys ranging from Lego sets, toy cars and trucks to video games, electronics and gift cards.

GOAA employees dropped items into collection boxes that were scattered throughout the airport complex and brought them to the annual Employee Appreciation Luncheon. The toys were gathered by the Children’s Home Society earlier today.

Orlando, Fla. – The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) hosted its inaugural Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Industry Day, an event that underscored the Aviation Authority’s efforts to bring the future of air transportation to the region.

AAM is a rapidly emerging aviation system that includes small aircraft with electric vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. The highly automated aircraft will move people and cargo in faster, more efficient, and environmentally-friendly ways – easing urban congestion, a regular challenge for a growing Central Florida.

“As the southeast region’s leading multimodal hub, we are committed to being a leader in the race to advance and implement this transportation revolution,” said Kevin J. Thibault, CEO, GOAA. “The Aviation Authority has been involved in intensive planning to make on-airport Advanced Air Mobility a reality. As we collaborated with Lake Nona on their planned vertiport, we’ve collectively agreed that the best location for the vertiport is at a proposed Aerospace Center of Excellence (ACE) on airport land. To meet this emerging technology, collaboration is key and our location is in keeping with the Aerotropolis (Airport City) concept. We will continue to work with Lake Nona to advance the first announced eVTOL hub network in the U.S., which will benefit the state of Florida.”

"The Advanced Air Mobility industry applauds the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and City of Orlando working together to ensure their community is ready to maximize the benefits of AAM operations in their region,” said Matt Byrd, National Business Aviation Association AAM Roundtable Chair. “The Central Florida region continues to be a leader, not just in planning for AAM but also in bringing together private sector partners to ensure Orlando is one of the first commercial AAM markets."

The day’s program provided an overview of GOAA’s AAM plan along with panel discussions about the future of AAM in Central Florida and facility planning and implementation needs. Speakers included:

• Kevin J. Thibault, CEO, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
• Jacques Coulon, City of Orlando
• Elizabeth Sila, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International
• Dr. Adan Vela, University of Central Florida

The event showcased the region's alignment in system planning and highlighted its ability to create a workforce pipeline for advanced manufacturing or research. “Our goal is to demonstrate that the Aviation Authority is ready to help pave the way in these areas for the betterment of the region,” said Thibault.

With a focus on maintaining an optimal customer experience into the near future, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board updated funding for major projects at Orlando International Airport (MCO).

With passenger traffic projected to soon approach 58 million by year’s end, the Aviation Authority is laying the groundwork for increasing the capacity of Terminal C. The Board approved a contract addendum with Ricondo & Associates to begin defining a Phase 2 development program.

The Phase 2 Program will expand Terminal C to accommodate an additional 16 to 24 aircraft gates. Ricondo will develop a Program Definition Document (PDD) that will provide the requirements for the Program; indicate a preferred concept of operations and facility layout; refine the Program’s cost; and provide planning guidance to consultants, who will prepare the detailed design of the Program.

The PDD and its cost estimates would be used to recommend funding budgets for capital expenditures that are required to support the Aviation Authority’s decision-making processes and mission.

APM CONTRACT AWARDED

The Board also approved funding to replace the Automated People Mover (APM) systems to Airsides 2 & 4.The Design/Build/Operate/Maintain contract was awarded to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc.

The contract will include replacement of all vehicles, running surfaces, central control equipment, all other required subsystems and all modifications, if any, required to existing APM stations. Mitsubishi will also maintain passenger service to Airsides 2 and 4 during the work and minimize the time that any one of the two APM lanes to each Airside is out of service during construction. Project completion is targeted for Spring 2027.

The Airside 4 APM System was first placed into service in 1990 and the cars were replaced with new cars in 2008. The Airside 2 APM was first placed into service in 2000.

The APM systems serve as vital passenger connections linking the North Terminal to the aircraft gate areas. The APMs are an essential component to MCO’s ability to facilitate the smooth flow of both arriving and departing traffic. Moreover, these systems are of upmost importance in accommodating the airport’s expanding customer base, benefiting all Central Florida stakeholders.

AIRFIELD IMPROVEMENTS

With robust activity at both Orlando International and Orlando Executive Airports (ORL), the Aviation Authority awarded a pair of contracts to improve airfield surfaces and refresh signage and pavement markings. Attention to airfield connectivity and visibility are essential to maintaining optimal safety for aircraft and passengers.

At MCO, the Hubbard Construction Company will rehabilitate a portion of Taxiways G and H and the connectors north of Taxiway E. Construction work will include resealing the joints and replacing isolated cracked slabs for the concrete pavement; rehabilitate the asphalt shoulders, and improve pavement geometry, taxiway markings, lighting and signage. The construction is scheduled to start in November 2023 and with completion estimated in August 2024.

Airfield work at ORL will be handled by the Middlesex Corporation. The project will consist of the rehabilitation of Taxiways A, B and B1; demolition of portions of Taxiways E4 and E5; and construction of new Taxiway E5 between Runway 13-31 and its parallel Taxiway E, at ORL. The construction work will include new asphalt pavement, mill and overlay existing asphalt pavement, and new and associated improvements for taxiway markings, lighting and signage.

The construction is scheduled to start in November 2023 and complete in April 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

ORLANDO, Fla. - In an impressive recognition of her work as a leading air service development professional, the international organization Routes World presented Vicki Jaramillo, Chief Development Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), with the 2023 Individual Leadership Award. Jaramillo received the award Monday during the group’s conference in Istanbul.

Routes World supports the critical role of the air transport sector to expand air services and advance global economic growth, tourism and more. The Individual Leadership Award honors the lifetime achievement of an individual within the route development community and celebrates their contribution to the industry.

“I am truly honored to be the recipient of such a distinguished global award,” Jaramillo said. “The testimonials shared on my behalf are humbling. I have a talented team who helps me to promote the Central Florida region as a wonderful destination and Orlando International as a world-class airport. I am grateful to have the opportunity to develop air service for our region because it drives business, encourages connectivity and leads to economic prosperity.”

“Throughout her 30-year career at Orlando International, Vicki has guided tremendous growth,” GOAA CEO Kevin J. Thibault said. “Our passenger traffic was 21 million annually when she began several years ago, and it is now beyond 55 Million. That’s an increase of 157% despite recessions, major hurricane events and a global pandemic. International traffic, an area in which Vicki is an expert, has increased 143% - a substantial testament to her work.”

Vicki’s role to increase air connectivity and new routes benefits businesses in Central Florida. The airport is a major economic engine and vital to the region’s economy, connecting businesses, welcoming tourism, transporting people, and moving cargo to generate nearly $42 billion dollars in economic impact.

Jaramillo was one of five people nominated; the other candidates were from Greece, Ireland, India and Malaysia. In her current role at GOAA, she provides oversight of Air Service Development, Airlines Relations, Cargo Development, Marketing, and Real Estate for GOAA. She has brought dozens of new routes to Orlando International, including nonstop service to Dubai, Frankfurt, Sao Paulo, Bogota, Santo Domingo, San Salvador, Dublin and other destinations.

A former Walt Disney World Ambassador, she began her career with the Florida Division of Tourism before working with international tourism groups in Miami-Dade County and as the Chief of Aviation Marketing for Miami International Airport.

Jaramillo’s community ties include Experience Kissimmee, the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Central Florida Business Travel Association, and Visit Orlando. She holds a bachelor of science in Marketing and Multinational Business from Florida State University.

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.