ORLANDO, Fla. — New technology, new infrastructure and new look into the future, it’s all part of the plans at Orlando International Airport. Recently, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority board approved the 5-and 10-year goals to expand and grow the airport.
What You Need To Know
GOAA approved 5-and 10-year goals to expand and grow MCO
The airport aims to add over 8,000 new parking spaces and will install a guidance system this year
Self-luggage drop-off and facial recognition are also in the plans
New outdoor spaces and business growth programs planned
There is quite a long list, and it’s all in an effort to keep up with the growing demand and new technology in Orlando.
Parking is a top priority for aviation leaders.
“It is crazy, it’s busy, it’s expensive, it’s dangerous and it is a fight for survival,” said Vicki Martin, who lives in Orlando.
Martin flies in and out of MCO every other month and was excited to hear that more than 8,000 new parking spaces will be added. Also coming are parking spot reservations, and a new guided system will make it easier to find a space.
“I say hurry up. I think it is awesome. We need it,” Martin said.
Parking guidance will start being installed this year. By next summer, changes will be in place for early and self-luggage drop off.
“That will allow a passenger to check in at any ticket counter anywhere in the airport, and their bags will get to their airplane or aircraft anywhere at the airport property,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
A seamless, predictable experience is the goal. It starts with parking and luggage and leads to facial recognition throughout the airport.
“It is your face, your face is what will get you through the process, will get you through security, it is what you will be able to use to purchase stuff and that is one of the things we are really looking forward to,” Lyttle said.
The changes aren’t just for passengers; they’re for the whole community. New outdoor and entertainment spaces will be available to everyone.
“We are looking at maybe having a bar in that area, have a lookout area because it has spectacular views,” Lyttle said.
With a goal of increasing small businesses at the airport by 40%, a new business incubator mentor program will help build them.
“More specifically, how to do business at an airport, hopefully specially this airport,” Lyttle said.
Most goals are within a 5-to-10-year timeframe, but others are still in the early phases, like expanding SunRail services to the airport.
“The more efficient, the better, the safer, just everything that they can do to accommodate the traveler we are inviting here to our wonderful place would be a good thing,” Martin said.
There are specific milestones and dates to hit with each project, so they stay on track.