Press

ORLANDO, Fla. — It was an active Board Day at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. Prior to the regular meeting, the Board held a workshop to consider options for a reimagined concessions program at Terminals A & B. The Master Plan update would focus on:

• Modernizing and right-sizing the concessions program
• Capitalizing on existing infrastructure
• Updating the concession concepts and designs to meet the wants and needs of airport customers
• Continuing to provide impactful opportunities for small businesses

The next steps in the process include hosting several outreach events to promote opportunities and provide information, along with finalizing a leasing strategy for the upcoming solicitations. The presentation for today’s workshop can be found here: Concessions Master Plan Presentation.

During the meeting, the Board turned its attention to the Strategic Plan goal of excelling in responsiveness to customer needs by approving a contract with Move Agency to redesign the current MCO Website (orlandoairports.net) and the internal MCO Cares Website. The update will integrate and  support multistream and multiplatform content management and control over that content, including creation, approval and publishing to meet airport-specific needs.

Also at today’s meeting, the Aviation Authority agreed to buy a fleet of specialized buses for future passenger transport. When Orlando International Airport (MCO) begins replacing the GateLink (automated people mover) system that services Airsides 2 & 4, the 10 new COBUS 3000s will provide backup transportation.

The large capacity COBUS buses are designed specifically to move large groups of airline passengers over relatively short distances on the airport aprons and secondary roadways. Certain unique features include a capacity of up to 110 passengers; extra-large sets of doors for rapid loading and unloading; and doors on both sides of the bus to eliminate extra maneuvering by the driver.

During the construction project, where all vehicles, running surfaces and central control equipment will be replaced, maintaining passenger service and minimizing the time that any one of the two GateLink lanes to each airside is out of service is essential. In the event of a service interruption, the buses will be mobilized as a passenger transport alternative. GOAA expects to take delivery of the buses prior to the projected start of onsite construction in December 2025. Completion of the project is anticipated in the Spring 2027

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 58 million annual passengers in its Main Terminal and Terminal C. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.