ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando International Airport (MCO) has been credited with having one of the nation’s most active art programs, and now it has a gallery and new art experience to help it live up to the honor. Gallery MCO is a former retail space transformed to accommodate short exhibits, and the commissioned “Space, Time and Energy” has undergone a restoration and relocation, inviting a new audience to discover its story.

“Having the opportunity to enjoy art while traveling is a welcome pastime for many passengers,” said Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA). “The Aviation Authority has a history of supporting art in public spaces and sees the value of engaging passengers for cultural enrichment.”

Starting today, passengers are invited to enjoy the debut exhibition of planespotting photographs taken at the airport at the new Gallery MCO in the Main Terminal. The inaugural #FlyMCO exhibit features 15 photographs taken by planespotting enthusiasts. The photographs were selected from the entries submitted in a call-to-artists posted through MCO social media channels in August.

The photographs were chosen by a panel of judges from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and were based on creativity, originality and technical skill. They include amazing captures such as “A United Love of Aviation and Space” by Pascal Fouquet that features a silhouette of an airplane flying in front of a full moon and “Waiting in the MCO Lounge” by Steven Madow (photo above) that shows eight airplanes simultaneously ascending in front of the iconic MCO Tower like birds in flight.

Dating back to the World War II era, planespotting is now a hobby practiced around the world. Enthusiasts enjoy their love of aviation by taking photographs, tracking “tail numbers” or just sitting back and enjoying the action.

The exhibit continues through Dec. 1 at the temporary gallery located on Level 3 of the Main Terminal on the B-side “South Walk” and is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Another new art experience not to be missed is the relocation of “Space, Time and Energy” by American painter Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000). The historically significant nine-panel enamel-on-steel was created as an original commission for Orlando International Airport in 1988. It has been moved from the Main Terminal A-side to the Train Station. This new location allows the observer to interpret the large-scale work in a different way.

The most widely acclaimed African American artist of the 20th century, Lawrence’s prescient visual storytelling captured an early multimodal vision for the global gateway. Planes, trains and ships emerge from the landscape, powered by energy harnessed from a diverse and dynamic workforce. As Lawrence explained at the time of the mural’s creation, the smiling green alligator in Panel 4 is a symbol of Florida and was an integral part of the design and concept.

The mural is one of five the artist created using the arduous enamel-on-steel technique, for which layers of vitreous enamel (formulated with powdered glass) are fired at high temperatures, one color at a time. Enamel artist Dave Berfield assisted Lawrence with the enameling process, which was done at Berfield’s studio in Bainbridge Island, Washington, where he still lives and works, though officially retired.

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, FL. – Orlando’s first airfield is celebrating nearly a century of aviation. On October 4, 1928, Orlando Municipal Airport, later renamed Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), was officially dedicated. Two days of celebration attracted approximately 40,000 people from all over the state.

Ninety-five years later, Orlando Executive is among the country’s busiest General Aviation (GA) airports that continues to prove itself a valuable economic and transportation asset. According to the Florida Department of Transportation’s 2022 Aviation Economic Impact Study, Orlando Executive Airport supports 4,078 jobs and contributes $ 577M to the state’s economy.

“Our prime location in close proximity to downtown Orlando and the region’s top attractions is an important advantage, but our reputation as a premier GA airport has been achieved as a result of performance,” said Judith-Ann Jarrette, Vice President-ORL Operations. “A combination of personnel, facilities and amenities make the airport a favorite of corporate aviation departments and private pilots alike.”

Highlights of ORL’s 95-year history include:

• 1951 New passenger terminal opens
• 1982 Renamed Orlando Executive Airport
• 1995 New FAA-operated air traffic control tower built
• 2007 U.S. Customs and Border Patrol facility opens
• 2022 Hosted National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) static display for 12th time

Orlando Executive is among a select group of General Aviation airports to serve as a port of entry with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility. This enables ORL to provide global access to the most visited region in the United States. So far in 2023, international activity has increased for every month but one and CBP has processed 246 more flights through August than the same time frame in 2022. FAA-reported operations total nearly 172,000 on a rolling 12-month basis.

ORLANDO, FL. – First anniversaries are milestones in most of life’s significant journeys. It is a special moment for a journey more than two decades in the planning and development, namely the building of Orlando International Airport’s (MCO) Terminal C, and the satisfaction of celebrating one year of operations.

“The anticipation of Terminal C has only been surpassed by the realization of the facility’s potential,” said Kevin J. Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “This past year has proven that a team of committed professionals can imagine and execute a bold vision, while being flexible enough to be guided through a few growing pains.”

Aer Lingus wrote itself into MCO history as the first flight to arrive at the new terminal on September 20, 2022. The sight was singularly gratifying and the culmination of a broader vision that began in the late 1990s when ground was first broken for a new terminal south of the Main Terminal. Through several starts and stops, the goal remained and persistence finally paid off.

It’s been a year of achievement, education and adapting to meet challenges:

• Since opening, Terminal C has processed nearly 6.4 million passengers and operated more than 48,300 flights.
• Extended training was implemented to help personnel operate a new and complex tote-based baggage handling system.
• Specially-designed motorized carts were introduced to assist passengers with mobility issues.
• Projects delayed by the pandemic were reinstated, such as the construction of eight narrow-body equivalent gates, an enclosed pedestrian bridge and moving walkways in focused areas.
• Terminal C airlines have an annual economic impact estimated to be more than $5 billion dollars.
• With the opening of Brightline, Terminal C is the first airport terminal in the U.S. with a train station providing intercity high-speed rail service. The terminal embraces the vision of MCO as an intermodal transportation hub.

From its design to its construction to its adherence to strict sustainability standards, Terminal C has garnered more than just state, national and global attention. The facility has also been recognized with numerous awards that are a testament to focusing on the details and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

“Our initial aspirations of responding to rising passenger demand and supporting the dynamic growth of the region have been attained,” said Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board Chairman Carson Good. “Now, with one year of operations under our belts, continued development of this terminal will only strengthen our global appeal as an international and multimodal travel gateway for business and leisure.”

Terminal C Recognition: The American Architecture Award (2017) The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design Excellence in Construction Project of the Year (2022) Central Florida Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors Marquee Green Building Legacy (2022) U.S. Green Building Council Airport Business Project of the Year (2023) Airport Business Magazine Regional Best Project-Airport/Transport (2023) Engineering News Record (ENR) Southeast Award of Merit, Excellence in Sustainability Award of Merit (2023) ENR Southeast

In addition to the honors above, Terminal C has been celebrated for its innovation. This innovation can be seen at ticket counters in display wall graphics, self-service kiosks, security checkpoints where wait times are displayed and at the gates where biometrics are used to expedite the board process.

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 2022. The recently-opened Terminal C is a next level facility that will add 10-12 million annual passengers of capacity and elevate the customer experience. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region

ORLANDO, FL. – Maintaining a financially responsible approach to preparing for future growth, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board considered several funding issues at today’s meeting. The Board got its first look at the preliminary 2023-2024 Fiscal Year Budget for Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). The budgets reflect the Authority’s philosophy of keeping up with increasing passenger growth as well as passenger expectations, while providing an exceptional travel experience for all customers.

With traffic totals expected to surpass 54 million annual passengers and year over year totals through May 2023 having grown by 13.3 percent, the Board approved an $831.6 million preliminary budget for MCO and a $5.7 million preliminary budget for ORL.

The MCO budget represents a $148 million increase over Fiscal Year 2023. Despite the effects of inflation on other segments of the marketplace, GOAA has been able to mitigate negative influences in certain aspects of air travel, while generating revenue increases in others. Key elements of the proposed budget include:

• An average Cost Per Enplaned passenger (CPE) that is 8.7% lower than the previous year, which remains competitive compared to other large hub airports.
• A $49.2M increase in Ground Transportation revenue as a result of forecasted growth
• An increase of $15.3M in airline rental fees & charges
• A $9.8M increase in Hotel revenue
• An $8.1M increase in Concessions revenue

The FY2024 budget for Orlando Executive Airport is $5,708,100, which is $943,100 more than last year. ORL’s proposed budget reflects increases in aircraft-related and commercial property revenues.

Following today’s Board approval, the Orlando City Council will conduct a public hearing on the preliminary budget before it returns to the Aviation Authority for final approval.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN UPDATE

Building to meet demand continues to drive the Aviation Authority’s future development plans. At today’s Board meeting, an update to the Fiscal Year 2021-2028 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) was approved. Investments in airfield enhancements, terminal facilities and passenger convenience systems will add an estimated $384.4 million to MCO’s CIP and $35.8 million to ORL’s.

The CIP is a multi-year plan of major capital projects linked to the Aviation Authority’s strategic goals. The projects are developed to address airport capacity, asset preservation and replacement, customer experience and revenue enhancement.

As the Authority strives to balance the need to upgrade or replace aging facilities with providing new capacity to meet growing passenger demand, the updated CIP for Orlando International Airport will focus on the following projects:

• Airsides 1 & 3 Building Renovations
• Airsides 2 & 4 APM System Replacement
• Terminals A & B Baggage Systems Upgrades
• Power System Upgrade Projects
• Near-Term Roadway & Signage Improvements
• Preliminary Design for Terminal C Phase 2

TERMINAL C ENHANCEMENTS

In response to passenger mobility needs, progress continues on plans to add moving walkways to Terminal C. The Board voted to award a contract to TK Elevator Corporation for the installation of the conveyances between the TSA security checkpoint and the Palm Court.

The final design of Terminal C, Phase 1, did not include moving walkways. However, after listening to the concerns of the community, the Aviation Authority looked for ways to retrofit the current facility and add the conveniences where needed. The walkways are expected to improve pedestrian mobility and the customer experience.

ADJUSTED PARKING RATES

Due to increased operational and maintenance costs, the expected opening of new parking facilities this fall and the introduction of Reservation Parking, the fee structure at MCO’s facilities has been readjusted from the previously approved rates. Beginning October 1, 2023, the rates will be as follows:

• Garages A, B & C Up to $24.00/day
• Valet Rate Up to $35.00/day
• Surface Lots Up to $20.00/day
• Economy Lots Up to $14.00/day
• Reserved Parking Up to $32.00/day

The parking rates are also referenced as “up to” to give the CEO the ability from time to time to adjust the rate for promotional or loyalty activities.

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 2022. The recently-opened Terminal C is a next level facility that will add 10-12 million annual passengers of capacity and elevate the customer experience. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.

ORLANDO, FL. – A key customer convenience project at Orlando International Airport’s (MCO) Terminal C is progressing along its construction timeline. At today’s meeting, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board voted to award the contract to build the Multimodal Connector Pedestrian Bridge and Rental Car Lobby to The Weitz Company LLC.

“More importantly, as we implement this pedestrian bridge, are the number of items we put back, including the moving walkways, building out the rental car lobby the way it needed to be and using a new procurement process that got us to the best technical with the lowest price,” said Kevin Thibault, GOAA Chief Executive Officer. “Immediately after opening Terminal C we started on the procurement for this. We were very fortunate in working with Washington to get federal funds to help support this expansion.”

Initially part of Terminal C Phase 1, the project was deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), federal funding enabled the Aviation Authority to update its Capital Improvement Plan to include the Ground Transportation Facility (GTF) Pedestrian Bridge Program.

This contract provides for the design and construction of approximately 450 feet of an elevated, enclosed and air-conditioned pedestrian walkway and adjacent rental car lobby area. The facility will provide travelers and visitors convenient access to Terminal C, the Train Station, the Terminal Link people mover connector to the North Terminal and Parking Garage C. The project will also comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and provide accessibility for all individuals, including four moving walkways, elevators, escalators and stairs to navigate between the two facilities.

The fiscal impact is $113,293,387, with funding coming from several sources including FAA BIL Grants, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Grants and Customer Facility Charges.

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 2022. The recently-opened Terminal C is a next level facility that will add 10-12 million annual passengers of capacity and elevate the customer experience. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region