As one of the country’s busiest airports, Orlando International Airport plans to accommodate its growth with a bold plan to expand operations and make things easier for passengers.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) Expansion
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority recently unveiled plans to expand and accommodate intense growth. For 2022-2023, the airport experience 15% growth, and to put that in context, they anticipate a yearly average of 2-3%.
Over the next 10 years, they plan to unveil several new and improved features to “guide the future” of the airport.
Those plans include increasing public parking spots to 8,000, and this will largely be accomplished by consolidating the car rental area, which will not be located in Terminals A and B. Also planned for Terminals A and B is to complete the construction of a new Baggage Handling System, which will help passengers get their luggage more efficiently.
Additionally, the airport will rename all terminals by numbering them Terminals 1, 2, and 3 to improve clarity and consistency.
Another bold part of the plan includes an on-airport AAM vertiport by the year 2030. These Air Taxis will take passengers to other areas of the region more quickly. For example, a 2-3 hour trip to Tampa would be shortened to just 30-40 minutes using this technology.
According to the press release, several more plans include:
Complete Airside 2 gate expansionsIncorporate additional passenger conveyance in Terminal C from Palm Court to Gate C230By 2035, complete Terminal C, Phase 2, constructionSupport all activities and projects necessary to attain a 5-star Skytrax rating, a global rating system that ranks airports on quality of service and other standardsNew hotel in Terminal C“Business Incubator” to increase number of small businesses working with the airportTechnology that will replace boarding passes with facial scans at security and the gateMobile ordering with upgraded restaurants and stores
Chief Executive Officer Lance Lyttle said
This vision focuses and unites everything we do around one core purpose: delivering an exceptional experience for everyone who passes through our airports. We’re creating spaces that are more welcoming, efficient, and enjoyable, from the parking areas to the gate, so that every step of the journey feels seamless.
A new pedestrian bridge just opened at well, which offers easier access to Terminal C and its offerings.
What do you think of all these changes? Are you excited to see what’s in store for MCO? Let us know in the comments and on social media.
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