The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) is looking forward to 2025 projects after collecting several awards within the aviation industry and increasing connectivity across the globe during 2024.
Among the many airlines and routes that began new service in 2024 at Orlando International Airport (MCO) were Flair, with service to Canada; Iberojet with seasonal service to Madrid Spain; and Viva, with service to Merida and Monterrey, Mexico.
Orlando International also announced the launch of direct new service to Munich, Germany, beginning in March 2025, and to Paris, France, beginning in May 2025.
Amidst the new airline activity, which increased the number of world destinations at MCO to more than 170, GOAA unveiled a new look with an appealing brand-new logo, completely rebuilt website and bold innovative app, all significant steps in enhancing digital services and modernizing the airport’s look and feel. It was the first time in 42 years that the airport updated its branding.
The redesign project touched on the Aviation Authority’s commitment to People, Community, Connection and Innovation.
MCO is elevating the passenger experience through several projects. From innovative parking solutions, such as the parking guidance system, to future renovations on the North Terminal, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority said projects at MCO are improving the traveler journey while seamlessly connecting Central Florida and the world through exceptional experiences, collaboration, and creativity.
BAGGAGE HANDLING: MCO has improvements under development that will make baggage handling more efficient. A near-term solution includes providing Express Service Providers (ESP) to meet operational needs. Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration will bring upgrades to some of the physical screening equipment within the baggage handling pods. These projects will take place before a future and more permanent renovation of the current Baggage Handling System.
PARKING: In addition to launching the MCO Reserved Parking program in January 2024, GOAA made great inroads toward future parking solutions, including a Parking Guidance System and plans for a Consolidated Rental Car (ConRAC) facility.
The new $13.5 million Parking Guidance System is expected to be fully operational in all parking garages by 2027.
Staff also issued a request for a statement of qualifications (RFSQ) to firms that can provide program management for a Consolidated Rental Car (ConRAC) Facility. A proposer will be selected in 2025 for the construction management of the ConRAC project.
The ConRAC will be designed to: reduce traffic congestion on terminal area roads and curbs; repurpose existing rental car areas within the existing terminal garages for public parking; improve wayfinding; and provide more efficiency for rental car operations and customers.
TERMINAL A & TERMINAL B RENOVATIONS The Aviation Authority is moving forward with plans to refurbish the interiors in Terminals A & B and upgrade restrooms at all four airsides.
The scope will consist of the design and construction of Landside and Airside interior refurbishment, and will include new flooring, new wall finishes, new ceilings with lighting improvements, and new restrooms. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025 with substantial completion in 2027.
In addition to Greater Orlando Aviation Authority looking forward to 2025 projects, here are other highlights that GOAA staff celebrated in 2024:
BEST CONCESSIONS PROGRAM. Airport Experience News named the MCO Concessions program at Terminal C the “Best Overall Concessions Program” among large airports.
INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS. The Routes Americas 2024 award celebrated air service development at Orlando International, which won in the 20 Million Passenger category over Seattle, Minneapolis and Vancouver. The award noted that MCO’s route map included 50 international destinations.
EXPERIENTIAL DESIGN. The Art Directors Club (ADC) bestowed a Bronze Cube on MCO’s Terminal C multimedia experiences, which encompasses the Moment Vault and Windows on Orlando. The award recognized the work of MCO collaborators Sardi Design, Burns Engineering, Inc., MRA International Group, Hahn Integrated Systems, SACO®, Smart Monkeys, Inc., and Electrosonic.
ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE. MCO and design partner HNTB were recognized with the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Florida’s Engineering Excellence Grand Award and the Grand Conceptor awards for Terminal C. The ACEC Florida Engineering Excellence Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the consulting engineering profession
RESILIENCY EFFORTS. The East Central Florida Regional Planning Council recognized Terminal C with an East Central Florida Diamond Award for Excellence in Regional Prosperity. The award notes that numerous resilience and conservation efforts went into Terminal C without sacrificing beauty and great design.
40 UNDER 40. Darren L’Appanna, Air Service and Business Development Manager for GOAA, was recognized by Airport Business Magazine’s “40 Under 40!” list of aviation professionals. Darren is part of the Air Service Development team at MCO, where he works to acquire air service that fosters economic growth in the Central Florida region.
BEST RECREATION. For the second consecutive year, Orlando International was named Best Airport for Recreation in Global Traveler’s Leisure Lifestyle Awards, acknowledging MCO’s interactive art and concessions as favorite pastimes for travelers.
BEST SHOPPING. USA Today announced MCO as a Reader’s Choice for Airport Shopping and Dining. MCO came in 3rd in the national rankings, based on editors’ selection and readers’ votes.
LEADING AIRPORT. Orlando International was one of North America’s leading airports for 2024. The World Travel Awards recognizes airports in several categories and sectors of the tourism industry and bases rankings on votes.
PLEASANT LAYOVERS. USA Today recently published a report that MCO, based on traveler reviews and passenger density, was one of the best airports for a layover.
GOAA said while the numerous awards reflect MCO’s standing among other airports, they do not fully measure the Aviation Authority’s commitment to customers.
