ORLANDO, FL. – The Orlando International Airport announces today that they have been recognized by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), Central Florida Chapter on Friday January 27, 2023, at the Leadership Awards. The Aviation Authority submitted two projects for consideration: the Automated People Mover/Intermodal Terminal Facility (APM/ITF) for the Marquee Green Building Legacy Award and South Terminal C (STC) for the Sustainable Technology Award.

APM/ITF Wins Marquee Green Building Legacy Award

The Marquee Green Building Legacy Award recognized “any LEED certified project constructed, renovated, or operated within the past 10 years (2012-2022). The award consideration focused on Buildings/projects that were innovative in sustainable practices and pushing the envelope of sustainability in design and development and remain that way with a continuous improvement and commitment to sustainability."

The implemented strategies that awarded APM/ITF this distinction included:

The Aviation Authority wishes to extend its gratitude and congratulations to the project team. Master Planner: Schenkel Shultz Project Design Team: HKS / Atkins / Matern / Baker Barrios Interior Criteria: Ramski & Company Owner's Authorized Representatives: AECOM / GCI Construction Managers at Risk: Turner-Kiewit / Hensel Phelps Commissioning Agent: Hanson Professional Services Inc. / CMC Sustainability Consultant: Eco-Build Strategies.As if this honor was not enough, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority was honored a second time with the distinguished Sustainable Technology Award.

The Sustainable Technology Award highlights and recognizes “projects/project teams who have successfully implemented an exceptional and innovative technology that improves the sustainable design and/or operations of the building." Under this criteria, South Terminal C was submitted for its use of a Pre-Conditioned Air Coupled Chilled Water design (PCA), and the Baggage Handling System (BHS).

Using a PCA Chilled Water System instead of the traditional stand-system, the STC was able to increase efficiency, reduce resource and land use and optimize long term fiscal outcomes. Studies show that BHS systems offer a significant reduction in energy consumption at airports ranging from 5-25% of the overall energy use of the terminal.

The Aviation Authority wishes to extend its gratitude and congratulations to the project team. Master Planner: Schenkel Shultz Project Design Team: HNTB / Fentress / Syska / Matern / TY Lin / MLM / Baker Barrios / HLB / TLC / Vanderlande Interior Criteria: Ramski & Company Owner's Authorized Representatives: AECOM / GCI Construction Managers at Risk: Turner-Kiewit / Hensel Phelps Sustainability Consultant: Eco-Build Strategies

About GOAA: The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority provides operational oversight of the Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). Orlando International Airport is the busiest airport in Florida serving 40 million passengers annually. MCO is currently engaged in a multibillion dollar Capital Improvement Program to increase capacity and enhance customer convenience. The airport’s Capital Improvement Program includes the under-construction 15-gate South Terminal C. Orlando Executive Airport is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides general aviation needs to the Central Florida region

ORLANDO, FL. – For only the second time in its history, Orlando International Airport (MCO) recorded more than 50 million annual passengers in 2022. The dramatic growth over the past two years highlights the importance of continuing the construction of Terminal C and related projects. In order to more comprehensively manage the Terminal C program, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board approved hiring a consulting firm to provide program management oversight.

Following an extensive application and vetting process, GOAA staff shortlisted the top four firms and the Board approved the number one ranked firm, Jacobs Project Management Co., as the winner of the contract for Executive Program Management and Oversight (PMO) Services.

“The Aviation Authority was looking for a national leader with extensive experience and technical expertise in managing aviation and intermodal capital programs,” said Kevin Thibault, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to collaborating with Jacobs to manage Terminal C programs and related projects to enhance the experience and the quality expected of a world-class airport facility.”

Jacobs Project Management will be responsible for overseeing the resumption of Terminal C construction projects deferred due to the pandemic; operations coordination; and design, contracts and stakeholder management.

New Emergency Equipment

To maintain an optimal level of emergency service on the airfield, the Board approved the purchase of two new vehicles for MCO’s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) department. The pair of Rosenbauer Panther 6X6 vehicles are currently in production and have a purchase price of $2,001,341. Delivery of the new equipment is expected in FY2024.

The new vehicles will enable ARFF to meet or exceed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards for response time and required number of emergency vehicles on the airfield. Per the FAA standard, MCO is required to have three ARFF vehicles in-service at all times, however, due to the size of MCO’s airfield, the FAA increased the requirement to four. Currently, MCO operates four in-service vehicles with one in reserve.

One of the new vehicles will replace a current vehicle that is nearing the end of its FAA-mandated frontline service life in 2024. The second will be an additional vehicle to raise the number of frontline in-service vehicles to five with two in reserve.

Additionally, increasing the fleet will allow for greater flexibility in strategically locating the vehicles across the airfield and more training opportunities with less wear and tear on the equipment.

Emergency capabilities of the new trucks include capacity for over 3,000 gallons of water, over 400 gallons of foam and over 500 pounds of dry chemical agent for fire suppression through a roof and bumper turret system as well as undertruck nozzles and handlines. Each vehicle has the ability to disperse agent while moving, be operated by a single operator and has an internal foam testing system so that foam doesn’t need to be dispersed for testing purposes, which is environmentally and fiscally responsible

Leadership Positions Announced

As GOAA continues to evolve as an organization, key leadership positions in the recently revised organizational structure needed filling. Today, the Board approved a number of executive level roles.

Current Senior Vice President of Marketing & Air Service Development Vicki Jaramillo will be promoted to Chief Development Officer. She will provide oversight of Air Service Development, Airline Relations, Cargo Development, Marketing and Real Estate and direct the Authority’s efforts to raise MCO’s global profile. Ms. Jaramillo has been employed with GOAA since January 1994 and has over 30 years of experience in marketing and air service development.

Brad Friel was named as the Senior Vice President of Multi-Modal Planning & Environmental. He will provide strategic analysis and recommendations to the CEO, including review and economic analysis of major projects. Mr. Friel currently serves as the Vice President of Planning & Development and has been employed with GOAA since February 2001.

The role of Vice President of Strategic Communication will be filled by Angela Starke. She will oversee the development of effective and strategic communication plans, including press materials, social media posts, key messages, speeches and presentations, to help build consensus on key GOAA initiatives. Ms. Starke currently serves as the Assistant Vice President of Public Affairs.

Tawana Russell was approved to fill the position of Vice President of Customer Experience. She will be responsible for the planning, development, direction, implementation and evaluation of all airport-wide customer service initiatives and programs. Ms. Russell currently serves as the Airport Manager – Guest Experience with the Broward County Aviation Department.

Busy Spring Break Expected

Projections for the upcoming Spring Break travel season show Orlando International Airport is expecting to surpass 2022 by nearly 900,000 passengers. During the period from Saturday, March 4, 2023 through Tuesday, April 18, 2023, MCO is estimating a total of 7,274,281 passengers will utilize the airport over the 46-day span. GOAA is forecasting a 13% increase in departing passengers compared to the actual 2022 Spring Break season departing passenger numbers.

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 visual history of daring aviatrix Bessie Coleman (1892-1926) is on display through February on the Third Level of the Main Terminal of Orlando International Airport, in honor of her accomplishments for Black History Month. The text panels chronicle the brief but impactful life and accomplishments of Coleman, who was the first African-American woman and first Native American to hold an international pilot’s license, issued from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in France on June 15, 1921. Vintage photographs of Coleman are on exhibit with text panels that tell her history, including the lesser-known short chapter spent in Orlando.

THE ORLANDO LEGACY

Shortly before the tragic plane accident that took Coleman’s life in 1926, she was living in Orlando with the Rev. Hezekiah Keith Hill and his wife, Viola Tillinghast Hill. She became close to the couple and stayed with them at the parsonage of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Institutional Church. Mrs. Hill encouraged Bessie to open a beauty shop in Orlando to supplement her income to save money to buy a plane, so she could perform her “barnstorming” stunts at one-woman air shows around the country. Their home on tree-lined Washington Street became the center of her life. After her accident, 5,000 mourners attended a memorial service for her in Orlando. It was only fitting that West Washington Street was officially designated “Bessie Coleman Street” by the Florida Legislature in 2014, and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority named its executive conference room for the aviation pioneer.

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 approximately 50 million annual passengers. 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, Fla. - For only the second time in Orlando International Airport (MCO) history, the 50 million passenger mark has been shattered. Last year MCO recorded nearly 50.2 million travelers, a 24 percent increase over 2021.

“Orlando International Airport saw nearly 10 million more passengers in 2022 than the year before,” says Kevin Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “These numbers validate our strong belief that Terminal C was more than needed to meet projected demand. By continuing to build during the pandemic, we are now well positioned for the future growth and economic expansion of the Central Florida region.”

“We find ourselves at the cusp of great possibilities for the future,” said GOAA Chairman Carson Good. “This started with the opening of Terminal C and now we have an even brighter outlook for strong economic growth for our region and state.”

Comparison of traffic numbers at MCO during the past 5 years

Statistical Data for December 2022

• International traffic increased 48.68 percent with 580,962 total passengers.
• Domestic passenger traffic increased 7.46 percent with 4,066,037 total travelers.
• Combined, overall traffic increased 11.32 percent for the month with 4,646,999 passengers.

Statistical Data for CY 2022

• International traffic increased 184.20 percent with 5,543,168 total passengers.
• Domestic passenger traffic volume increased 16.24 percent with 44,635,331 total travelers at MCO.
• Combined, overall traffic increased 24.35 percent with a total of 50,178,499 passengers at MCO.

International traffic accounted for 11 percent of the overall traffic at MCO in 2022 as compared to 5 percent in 2021.

Due to the installation of directional signage at the Orlando International Airport, travelers can expect overnight road closures and delays from 9 pm, Monday, January 23rd, to 5 am, Tuesday, January 24th on Jeff Fuqua Boulevard. Jeff Fuqua Boulevard is the main entrance road from the north to Orlando International Airport. Please follow detour signs and drive safely. While we will make every effort to minimize the impact on travelers, it is advised that motorists allow extra time when coming to Orlando International during the affected hours.

ORLANDO, FL. – At the first Board meeting of the new year, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Chairman Carson Good offered his assessment of 2022, “It was a landmark year for Orlando International Airport (MCO) that laid the groundwork for an even brighter and more prosperous 2023.”

Chairman Good and his fellow board members, along with airport partners, are focusing on maintaining the positive momentum from the past year. Key to those immediate and long-term goals is developing a new 10-year Strategic Plan.

The Strategic Plan will outline specific areas of concentration:

• Continuing to improve safety and security
• Continuing to improve integrity and processes
• Continuing to improve the right kind of small business and minority programs to best benefit the Authority, stakeholders and the community.

“This year we will look at what kind of an airport we want in the future, not just a year from now but five and ten years from now and beyond,” Good said. “I look forward to hearing some of the ideas and visions for the future that come from our board, our staff and Central Florida community leaders.”

Other future objectives include preparing MCO economically by exploring ways to diversify and produce recession and pandemic-resistant revenue streams; raising the bar on customer service to provide a White Glove Experience; increasing air service; enhancing the airport’s overall connectivity to bring more of the world and more businesses to Orlando and Central Florida; and intermodal connectivity.

The meeting also featured a review of 2022 that included historic accomplishments and deftly-met challenges. Topping the list was the opening of Terminal C, which ushered in a new era of travel innovation and customer convenience. Other major milestones included the selection of Kevin Thibault as the new Chief Executive Officer; bringing passenger numbers back to pre-pandemic levels; and navigating the challenges of two hurricanes.

“We have the right people in the right places,” Good said. “With the continued support of the community and our stakeholders, all of us moving in the same direction, 2023 will be another remarkable year for Orlando International Airport.”

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 approximately 50 million annual passengers. 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.

“Air traffic at Orlando International Airport (MCO) is returning to normal after an early morning nationwide ground stop, initiated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), due to a FAA computer issue. As airlines slowly recover from system-wide delays, MCO is advising all travelers to contact their airlines directly for information about specific flights.” – Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. (GOAA)

Shortly after the computer system was restored, the FAA assured travelers that they will continue to look into the cause of the initial problem.

Operational Impact at MCO as of 3:30 p.m. today:

• Approximately 174 flights have been delayed for departure from MCO today.
• Approximately 73 flights have been delayed arriving at MCO.
• MCO is expecting a total of 465 departures today.

Passengers are always encouraged to contact their airlines for specific flight information prior to arrival at Orlando International Airport.