ORLANDO, Fla. – An airplane. Thousands of pounds of food. One mission: fight hunger in Central Florida. That mission was accomplished on Saturday, August 8, at Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), where the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) took community support to new heights at its 2nd annual “Pack the Plane” event, in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

Central Florida residents packed a Cessna Citation CJ3+ with 4,638 pounds of food, the equivalent of 3,865 meals, to help families facing hunger across Central Florida. The total bests last year’s results of 2,774 pounds by more than 65% increase.

"Hunger impacts thousands of families throughout Central Florida, and every item donated will stay right here in our community," said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of GOAA. "We recognize that being a good neighbor means investing our time, resources, and partnerships to make a positive difference. Thank you to Second Harvest, and every volunteer, donor, sponsor, and community partner who made the event possible."

"We are thrilled to partner for the second year in a row with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority to inspire and engage the community to end hunger,” said Derrick Chubbs, President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. “As students and families head back to school, this food will help stock their shelves and provide nourishment to learn, work, and thrive."

The donations collected will help distribute food through its network of more than 800 feeding partners serving Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties.

The successful collection of food was made possible by collaboration with community organizations and dedicated partners, including Northern Jet, which supplied the aircraft that volunteers filled with donations. The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Women in Aviation International (WAI), Cirrus, MyFlight, the University of Central Florida, and others were also partners.

The engineering, planning and design firm Kimley-Horn was the top private donator, and GOAA employees also contributed hundreds of pounds of donated items.

The primary beneficiary of the donations is Soldiers’ Angels, a military veteran’s support organization. While fighting hunger is serious business, the event still made room for fun, with family-friendly activities, including aircraft displays, games, giveaways, and food trucks.

About Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

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 nearly 58 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Families traveling through Orlando International Airport (MCO) now have two more places to play, explore, and mentally recharge before takeoff.

MCO officially opened two new Family Zones today, one in Terminal A, and one in Terminal B, completing an initiative to strategically place Family Zones in all three of MCO’s passenger terminals. The Family Zones are designed to elevate the passenger experience with amenities that delight guests and make travel more comfortable for families. The new spaces build on the success of the Flybrary, a playful library and reading nook that opened in Terminal C in May.

“It’s exciting to add two more family zones to the lineup today,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer for the Greater Orlando Aviation (GOAA), which operates MCO. “All three spaces represent our ongoing commitment to elevate the passenger experience with amenities that delight guests and make travel easier for families.”

Level 1 of Terminal A is where families can discover a Florida-inspired soft-play environment, created with younger travelers in mind. The space features a colorful Florida themed carpet map, a Florida trivia kiosk, and a variety of soft-play elements designed to provide a safe and fun experience for MCO’s youngest passengers.

Additionally, Level 3 of Terminal B is home to an interactive Family Zone, which invites children and families to step into a digital world of motion-based games that encourage movement and friendly competition. Using digital displays and cameras, the experience provides interactive games where players flap their arms to fly, or strategically sort colorful luggage, all within the safety of a digitally rendered environment.

The interactive gaming area features technology installed by Central Florida-based M3D Technologies, a participant of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program.

“For parents and caregivers, airport travel can bring a lot of moving pieces: bags, strollers, schedules…and the natural energy of children who are excited to board an airplane.” said Tawana Allen, Chief Customer Experience Officer for GOAA. "Our Family Zones will help meet travelers where they are. They offer a place to pause, reset, and enjoy a moment together before the next leg of their trip."

The Family Zones are part of GOAA's broader strategy to enhance customer satisfaction and support the Aviation Authority's Strategic Vision Elevating MCO & ORL: The Vision Forward.

To learn more about GOAA’s Strategic Vision, please visit flymco.com/elevatingmco.

About Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

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 nearly 58 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.

MCO remains No. 1 airport in Florida; becomes 7th in nation and 25th in the world