ORLANDO, Fla. – Passengers at Orlando International Airport can now glide into the core of Terminal C, thanks to two new moving walkways.

The walkways, which were installed just beyond the TSA checkpoint, provide an express lane to Terminal C’s stunning Palm Court, which features Florida sunshine, and to more than 30 retail, food, and beverage options.

The new moving walkways span from the checkpoint to Palm Court - a corridor primarily with one-way pedestrian traffic. The walkway system has a length of 132 feet - including the on and off ramps. The sloped ramps meet the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

The walkways will help to assist those with limited mobility, as travelers will exit the walkway adjacent to the staging area for mobility carts, which can carry passengers directly to their gate.

TKE (TK Elevator) and Clancy & Theys collaborated on the Terminal C moving walkway project.

In a separate but related effort, the Pedestrian Bridge will have a set of bidirectional moving walkways when it opens this summer. The walkways, including ramps, are approximately 90 feet in length but will be extended once the entire project, including the Rental Car Lobby, opens in 2026. The purpose of the shorter walkways was originally to mark ingress and egress points to the Rental Car Lobby.

The opening of the Pedestrian Bridge is a welcome convenience for passengers who currently use Garage C for access between Terminal C, the Train Station, and the Terminal Link, which provides a connection to Terminals A and B.

Moving walkways were included in the original design for Terminal C, but they were removed as a cost-saving measure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since then, GOAA staff members have undertaken several studies to determine optimal locations for moving walkways in Terminal C as a way to enhance the passenger experience.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Memorial Day is, for many, the “unofficial” start of the summer travel season. This year, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is expecting a slight 2 percent increase in passenger traffic as compared to last year.

“In light of the recent news that Florida celebrated record tourism last year, Orlando International kicks off the summer travel season on a positive note,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which manages Orlando International and Orlando Executive airports. “Because MCO is a significant economic generator for Central Florida, this is good news for the region as well.”

The Memorial Day travel period is relatively short, lasting only six days from Thursday, May 22, until Tuesday, May 27. But during those six days, nearly a million people will pass through MCO.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Chief Executive Officer Lance Lyttle today announced to GOAA Board Members that Tuskegee Airman Flight Officer Daniel Keel will be the 2025 recipient of the Col. Joe Kittinger Award. The award will be presented June 28 during the annual Liberty Weekend concert program with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra at Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Board Members applauded Mr. Keel’s selection for the honor, as nominated by a group of distinguished local veterans serving as the Award Nomination Advisory Group, during its regular monthly meeting.

Of the five Tuskegee Airmen Pilots who are still alive, Flight Officer Keel, 102, of Central Florida, is the only one who was triple rated. Mr. Keel was a Navigator, Bombardier, and Fighter Pilot. Drafted into service during World War II, Mr. Keel served his nation with courage and bravery, during a time of conflict and racial discrimination, as illustrated in a recent community exhibit. The display at MCO commemorated the State of Florida’s inaugural Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day.

“In honoring Flight Officer Daniel Keel, we not only recognize a trailblazer in American aviation, but we also pay tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and unyielding spirit of all who have worn the uniform,” said Mr. Lyttle. “As a living embodiment of duty, dignity, and history, Mr. Keel’s selection for the Col. Joe Kittinger Award reflects the deep pride the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority holds in its legacy, and in the veterans whose service continues to uplift this nation.”

Once known as McCoy Air Force Base, Orlando International Airport was originally home to a U.S. Air Force installation and training base. Established in 2013, the Col. Joe Kittinger Award is presented each year to honor a deserving individual for their contributions to aviation, the country, and the Central Florida community.

Col. Joe Kittinger (1928 – 2022) of Orlando is renowned for his pioneering high-altitude parachute jump from 102,800 feet in 1960, a record that stood for more than 50 years, and marked a milestone in aerospace exploration. Mr. Kittinger was also a decorated Air Force pilot, Vietnam War POW, and the first person to make a solo transatlantic balloon flight. In addition to this award, Col. Joe Kittinger is the namesake for the City of Orlando park located at Orlando Executive Airport honoring those who served.

Mr. Keel will be the 10th recipient of the Col. Joe Kittinger Award. The community is invited to the Americana-inspired concert performance, which will be held in Terminal C. Parking for Liberty Weekend is free.

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. – Orlando International Airport (MCO) received the esteemed Airport Customer Experience Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI), reaffirming its position as a global leader in delivering exceptional customer experiences.

This recognition reflects MCO’s unwavering commitment to improving the travel experience for the more than 57 million passengers who pass through the airport each year. The ACI Airport Customer Experience Accreditation evaluates airports around the world on key pillars, including Customer Understanding, Strategy, and Measurement. Each merit is critical in ensuring customers receive world-class service at every touchpoint of their journey through MCO.

“This accreditation is a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire MCO team,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which manages Orlando International Airport. “Creating a world-class experience for the millions of people who travel through MCO every year is more than just a goal; it’s at the heart of why we do what we do. We’ve made it a priority to listen, to innovate, and to always put people first. At the end of the day, it’s about making every journey better.”

Through this accreditation, ACI recognized MCO for:

Customer Understanding – Listening to passengers. MCO proactively gathers feedback directly from travelers to better understand what they enjoy and what could be improved, then uses that input to guide real changes. Some improvements based on customer feedback include increasing digital signage for wayfinding and messaging, and adding large gate numbers above checkpoints to minimize confusion.

Strategy – Defining a clear vision for service. MCO has a well-defined plan for customer experience, with every team member understanding how their role contributes to making travel smoother and more enjoyable.

Measurement – Tracking what matters. MCO monitors how its customer service efforts impact things like customer satisfaction, employee morale, and overall airport performance.

Orlando International has many customer-focused programs to help ease a passenger’s journey, from the parking lot to the plane. These programs include Reserved Parking and security screening, as well as the MCO Paw Pilots Therapy Dog Program, which provides experiences to help calm the anxiety that some experience while traveling.

As an airport with nonstop service to 60 international destinations, MCO customers often speak many different languages. Customer Service Ambassadors are strategically placed throughout the airport to provide language assistance. MCO also regularly commemorates special moments (birthdays, celebrations, first flights), through a “Memories Created in Orlando (MCO)” button program.

“Earning this accreditation is more than a milestone; it is a clear validation of MCO’s mission to elevate the travel experience at every step,” said Tawana Allen, Vice President of Customer Experience at Orlando International. “By putting people at the center of everything we do, MCO is continuing to innovate and evolve, defining a new era of airport excellence.”

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. – The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) took community support to new heights during its inaugural “Pack the Plane” event, in collaboration with several partners, at Orlando Executive Airport (ORL).

During the event, a Diamond DA50 aircraft was loaded with food donations, providing approximately 2,312 meals to families in need through Second Harvest Food Bank.

The success of “Pack the Plane” was made possible through collaboration with community organizations and dedicated partners, including Sheltair, Atlantic Aviation, My Flight, Northern Jet, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Advent Health, Women in Aviation, the Air Line Pilots Association, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

The initiative began with donation boxes placed at key locations throughout Orlando International Airport (MCO), ORL, Sheltair, and Atlantic Aviation, making it easy for travelers, employees, and community members to contribute. On Saturday, May 3, more than 400 people brought in additional donations. In total, the event collected 2,774 pounds of food, surpassing the capacity of two Diamond DA50 aircraft, each with a load capacity of 1,232 pounds.

“We are grateful to everyone who came out to make Pack the Plane a success by supporting families in the communities where we live and work,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of GOAA, which manages MCO and ORL. “Our partnerships help to foster hope that working together, we can make a difference when it comes to hunger and gives Second Harvest Food Bank fuel for its mission to create hope and nourish lives through a hunger relief network.”

The event also featured community-focused activities, such as aircraft displays, live music, food trucks, and appearances by the MCO Paw Pilots and Sparky, the mascot for the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) team.

Photo courtesy of iProov

New program aims to reduce wait times and enhance the passenger experience

ORLANDO, Fla. - Providing seamless operations through technology is a strategic priority for Orlando International Airport (MCO), and now there’s an initiative to help advance that priority and benefit millions of passengers.

In partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Orlando International Airport will be welcoming travelers on select flights through a new initiative, Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP). EPP is designed to use biometric facial comparison for identity verification to increase CBP operational efficiency while enhancing the traveler experience and building toward a truly seamless journey. The process allows CBP to focus on the traveler, reducing the burden of administrative tasks.

“Technology is driving the way for more efficient passenger operations,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which manages Orlando International Airport. “Innovative programs like EPP can significantly reduce processing times for passengers, without compromising security. MCO saw an increase of more than 800,000 international arrivals in 2024 than in 2023, many of them U.S. citizens who would benefit from this program. We deeply value our partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and thank them for their continued collaboration and support in helping us deliver a more seamless and secure experience for our international travelers.”

GOAA has selected iProov, a leading biometric solutions company, as their vendor to support EPP.

"Building on our strong relationships with key border agencies and the proven success of our on-the-move biometric screening, iProov is excited to support Orlando International Airport on EPP,” said Andrew Bud, founder and CEO, iProov. “Our biometric screening enhances the ability to accelerate international arrival processing while maintaining confidence in the identity of the individual."

How It Works?

EPP uses facial biometrics to verify U.S. citizens' identities by matching their faces to images in passports, held in the CBP’s database. Arriving U.S. citizens will have their photo captured to verify their identity and citizenship. The CBP officer will engage with the traveler as needed, but the system processing of the traveler is completely automated. The traveler then proceeds to baggage claim.

Participation in the program is voluntary. Travelers who prefer not to use the facial comparison system can opt for the standard screening process with a CBP officer. The program is free and does not require pre-enrollment.

In partnership with MCO, CBP will begin EPP on select flights. MCO expects to fully deploy EPP in time for the summer. GOAA’s longstanding partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been critical to MCO’s success as a leading international gateway. Together, the organizations have worked to implement innovative solutions that enhance security while improving efficiency for travelers. This collaboration continues to support Orlando International’s mission to deliver a world-class travel experience.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando International Airport (MCO) earned a pair of distinguished awards during the 2025 Airport Experience Conference (AXC) recently held in Washington, D.C.

Airport Experience News recognized MCO as the Airport With The Highest Regard for Customer Service. In addition, Tracy Conner Harris, Vice President of Concessions at Orlando International Airport, was named the 2025 Property Manager of the Year. The awards were presented at the organization’s 21st annual conference, which brings airport leaders and industry professionals together to explore the latest trends and innovative strategies in airport concessions.

The two awards further bolster MCO’s impressive list of accolades, including the 2024 AXC Best Overall Concessions Program in the Large Airports category. This recognition highlights Terminal C, which features unique concepts from Central Florida’s small businesses.

The 2025 Customer Service award honors GOAA’s commitment to delivering exceptional service to tenants, employees, passengers, and guests. It also recognizes the dedicated employees and partners who consistently provide authentic hospitality, cultivating a strong sense of pride and community within the airport.

“We are incredibly honored to receive these awards, which reflect our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional customer service at Orlando International Airport,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which manages MCO. “At GOAA, creating a culture of exceptional experiences is at the heart of our mission. These two recognitions confirm that we treat our customers with care, and they are why we strive to deliver exceptional service to all who pass through our doors.”

For Tracy, receiving the 2025 Property Manager of the Year award is a testament to her exceptional leadership, dedication, and forward-thinking approach to airport concessions.

Board Also Approves Next Phase of Renovations at Terminals A and B

ORLANDO, Fla. – Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board Members formally welcomed Lance Lyttle as the Aviation Authority’s new Chief Executive Officer during Wednesday’s board meeting.

Mr. Lyttle will oversee Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). MCO is one of the nation’s Top 10 airports, welcoming more than 57 million annual passengers in 2024. ORL provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the Central Florida region.

In addition to day-to-day operations, Mr. Lyttle will lead a multi-billion-dollar capital improvement program to enhance both airports. These improvements include extensive renovations of Terminals A and B, construction of a Consolidated Rental Car (ConRAC) Facility, and installation of a state-of-the-art parking guidance system, among other projects.

“Lance Lyttle is a visionary leader with a strong history of driving major airport projects,” said Tim Weisheyer, GOAA Board Chairman. “In just his first week, he’s hit the ground running – bringing energy, insight, and a clear commitment to excellence. As Orlando continues to grow, the Board is confident Mr. Lyttle will further shape our airports into the gold standard for the industry.”

“I’m incredibly excited to join GOAA and be a part of the next chapter for Orlando International and Orlando Executive airports,” said Lance Lyttle, GOAA Chief Executive Officer. “What inspires me the most is the people – their passion, dedication, and drive to deliver excellence every day. My focus is on empowering our team, embracing innovation, and ensuring we provide world-class experiences for every person who passes through.”

RESTROOMS RENOVATION PROJECT

In a significant step toward upgrading the MCO passenger experience, the Board also signed off on a major restroom renovation and addition project for the airsides at Terminals A and B.

Balfour Beatty Construction was selected as the Design-Builder of this important project.

The $71.9 million project will improve the passenger journey by renovating all existing restrooms, and adding new restrooms or expanding existing restrooms where space permits. This project includes all four airsides, providing additional capacity to meet anticipated future passenger demands. Additional improvements will include renovations to companion restrooms and service animal relief areas.

Funding for the project will come from a combination of Federal Aviation Administration Grants, Capital Expenditure Funds, and a line of credit reimbursed by General Airport Revenue Bonds.

Restroom renovations and expansions are part of a broader renovation project in the Terminals. The renovation projects are set for substantial completion between 2027 and 2028, marking a new era of comfort and convenience for passengers at Orlando International Airport.

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 only airport system in the world to receive unique designation

ORLANDO, Fla. - Orlando International Airport (MCO), operated by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), has received accreditation through the prestigious international Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP), remaining the only airport system in the world to achieve the highest emergency management standard.

“The plans are in place, the processes check out, and Orlando International Airport is well prepared to respond to an emergency in line with established emergency management practices,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of GOAA. “As the only airport in the nation to achieve this accomplishment, MCO continues to lead the industry when it comes to the safety of the traveling public.”

To obtain EMAP accreditation, applicants must demonstrate that its program meets the Emergency Management Standard through self-assessment, documentation, and peer assessment verification. It is designed to be flexible so a variety of agencies and companies can tailor it to their needs, risks, resources, and size.

All agencies seeking accreditation are judged against the Program’s 64 industry-wide standards, which assess and cover a variety of areas including Program Management, administration and finance, prevention, communications and warning, training, and incident management, among other areas.

“This incredible honor is a testament to GOAA’s ongoing commitment to the fundamentals of world-class emergency management operations and public safety,” said Keila Walker-Denis, Vice President of Airport Operations, which oversees Emergency Management.

“Congratulations to all of the programs that have recently received EMAP accreditation and those that have maintained their accreditation status. We commend their dedication to their communities and stakeholders and their commitment to excellence,” stated Angee Morgan, Deputy Director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management and EMAP Commission Chair.

GOAA first started the process to achieve the EMAP accreditation in 2017 and received its first approval in 2020, just as the pandemic began. From that point forward GOAA has been augmenting its emergency management program with more highly skilled staff, more training programs for all airport personnel, and investing in the latest emergency management equipment and processes.