ORLANDO, Fla. - The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) is looking forward to 2025 after collecting several awards within the aviation industry and increasing connectivity across the globe during 2024.

Among the many airlines and routes that began new service in 2024 at Orlando International Airport (MCO) were Flair, with service to Canada; Iberojet with seasonal service to Madrid Spain; and Viva, with service to Merida and Monterrey, Mexico.

Orlando International also announced the launch of direct new service to Munich, Germany, beginning in March 2025, and to Paris, France, beginning in May 2025.

Amidst the new airline activity, which increased the number of world destinations at MCO to more than 170, GOAA unveiled a new look with an appealing brand-new logo, completely rebuilt website and bold innovative app, all significant steps in enhancing digital services and modernizing the airport’s look and feel. It was the first time in 42 years that the airport updated its branding.

The redesign project touched on the Aviation Authority’s commitment to People, Community, Connection and Innovation.

Here are other highlights that GOAA staff celebrated in 2024.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Santa’s sleigh got a little heavier this year, thanks to generous employees at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA).

GOAA employees collected approximately 150 new toys for children who otherwise may not have had a present to open this year. The donated toys benefit Children’s Home Society of Florida, the largest private non-profit child-centered organization in Florida, best known for their work in child welfare services, such as foster care and adoption.

“Our employees understand that it is important to enrich our community through charitable acts, and there’s nothing more enriching than making a child’s day with a new toy on Christmas,” said GOAA CEO Kevin J. Thibault. “We are honored to partner with Children’s Home Society of Florida, which makes a difference in the lives of children and their families across our region every day.”

GOAA’s Human Resources Department organized the drive, which collected toys and other gifts for toddlers through teenagers. Employees placed the toys into collection boxes that were strategically located at eight different sites throughout Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport complexes. The toys were then gathered by the Children’s Home Society of Florida.

The donated items included toy trucks, coloring books and Lego sets for toddlers and young children to sporting equipment, board games and metal tumblers for older children and teenagers.

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 57 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 year-end holiday travel season is here, with Orlando International Airport (MCO) poised to welcome millions to Central Florida for bowl games and celebrations.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board approved a series of major projects at Orlando International Airport (MCO) that will transform passenger areas of Terminals A and B and the airport’s parking garages.

The GOAA Board unanimously approved a $13 million project to install parking guidance system technology throughout MCO’s parking garages. The Board also approved plans for a lineup of new restaurant and retail options. These projects are part of a broader multi-million-dollar, multi-year investment to enhance the overall experience for the nearly 60 million passengers who visit MCO annually, and for future passenger growth.

“These are significant investments we are making at Orlando International Airport, and they really go to the heart of what we are about: creating timeless experiences for our guests who visit from around the world and here in Central Florida,” said Kevin J. Thibault, GOAA CEO. “We are using emerging technologies to create seamless arrival to MCO with the new parking guidance system. Once visitors are here, they will be able to find unique and enjoyable restaurants and stores that are designed with passengers in mind.”

Parking Guidance System

Example of the parking guidance system that will be installed at Orlando International Airport. (courtesy Parking Guidance Systems, LLC)

The GOAA Board awarded Transportation Systems Inc. of Apopka a contract to install an Automated Parking Guidance System for all three of MCO’s parking garages (Garages A, B and C) and Terminal Top.

The parking guidance selected is similar to those found at Central Florida attractions, hospitals, and many large-hub airports. The camera-based system will provide real-time information about parking availability, with color-coded lights pointing drivers to open parking spots. There will also be digital signage on roadways, garage entry points, and throughout the garages showing real-time information about the number of open parking spots available lane by lane.

After a design period, installation is expected to begin by mid-2025 and take approximately 24 months. Garages will remain open as crews install the parking guidance system in phases.

In proactively considering the needs of visitors, the GOAA Board approved a committee’s recommendation for a camera-based parking guidance system that includes license plate reader technology that will allow MCO employees to offer assistance to guests who may need help in locating vehicles.

Once fully installed, the new parking guidance system will provide real-time information on approximately 11,000 spaces located throughout MCO’s four parking garages. There are approximately 23,000 total parking spaces throughout MCO’s campus, including the addition of surface lots Atlantis, Discovery, and Endeavour near the Train Station.

Orlando International leadership previously announced plans to open a Consolidated Rental Car Facility (ConRAC) that would make an additional 4,500 parking spaces available in the existing parking garages by 2032.

New Concessions

Rendering: When complete, MCO visitors will be able to enjoy more than 40 new restaurants, including Otto’s High Drive, and retail shops as part of Phase 1 plans.

Orlando International visitors will soon have even more options to shop, sip, and dine before their flights.

In addition to nationally-recognized restaurants and retailers, MCO visitors will be able to enjoy the best dishes from landmark Central Florida restaurants, including:

• Stasio’s
• Smoke & Donuts
• Kelly’s Ice Cream
• SoDough Detroit Pizza
• Milkhouse
• Jam-Eng
• 4Rivers

Each one is among the list of more than 40 restaurants and retail stores included in the first phase of a program that will transform areas of MCO to provide new experiences and appeal, expanded seating, and highlighting the offerings of Central Florida.

Passengers will be able to enjoy an elevated pre-flight experience, with Central Florida-inspired cuisine and shopping opportunities.

The blend of restaurants and retail shops selected as part of the plan will provide significant exposure for local business owners.

The first phase of the concessions plan approved today will focus on more than 77,013 square feet of restaurant and retail space – an area larger than 16 Boeing 747s.

Design work will begin in the near future, with renovations beginning by mid-2025. Phase 1 of restaurants and retail locations will be operated through agreements with a number of companies, including OTG Concessions Management LLC; Areas MCO 2 JV LLC; SSP America MCO II LLC; The Marshall Retail Group LLC; NewsLink of Orlando NTC I LLC; and VRG Orlando LLC (Village Restaurant Group).

Phases 2 and 3 of the concessions renovation plan are part of a broader project the GOAA Board previously approved to invest more than $65 million to makeover interiors of Airsides 1 and 3 and levels 1 and 3 of Terminals A and B. These renovations include upgrades to flooring, bathrooms, baggage claim, and gate areas.

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.

Musicians Tony Wynn (R) and Cameron Brown (L) kick off the holiday festivities at Orlando International Airport.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Bells are ringing and artists are singing, as the winter holidays arrive at Orlando International Airport (MCO). More than a dozen local artists and ensembles from across Central Florida will entertain MCO guests on select dates through January 1, 2025.

Passengers flying through MCO can experience diverse musical hallmarks during the holiday series with a lineup that includes everything from classic choral performances to smooth jazz.

The series is part of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority’s broader commitment to serving the community by offering exceptional experiences.

Santa Claus and special guests – including a pair of MCO Paw Pilots – will be on hand for a special Winter Celebration on December 19, from 11 a.m. – 1 pm. Festivities will include giveaways, face painting, music and more.

December 6

• DON SOLEDAD
• Latin Jazz Guitarist
• 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Gates 1 - 59 Checkpoint

December 9

• MIKE PETROVICH
• Spanish Guitarist
• 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Gates 1 - 59 Checkpoint

December 10

• MARIACHI ORO INTERNATIONAL
• Traditional Traveling Troupe
• 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
• A&B Terminal / Roaming

December 11

• ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
• Strings Ensemble
• 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
• Food Court, Terminal B

December 15

• MAGIC OF BRONZE
• Handbell Ensemble
• 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
• Gates 70 - 129 Checkpoint

December 16

• JOHNNY MAGNUSON
• Saxophonist
• 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Terminal C Level 6

December 18

• VICTORIA SCHULTZ
• Harpist
• 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Terminal C Level 6

December 19

• WINTER CELEBRATION
• Santa, special guests + more!
• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Gates 70 – 129 Checkpoint

December 20

• NOVA ERA
• Classical with a twist
• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Gates 70 – 129 Checkpoint

December 21

• MESSIAH CHORAL SOCIETY
• Community Chorale
• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Gates 70 - 129 Checkpoint

December 23

• ROB HAZEN
• Multi-instrumentalist
• 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Gates 1 – 59 Checkpoint

December 28

• MARC E
• Smooth Jazz on Spanish Guitar
• 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Gates 1 – 59 Checkpoint

December 30

• RITA KAY
• Singing Guitarist
• 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Gates 1 – 59 Checkpoint

January 1, 2025

• THE ORLANDO KLEZMORIM
• Klezmer & Hanukkah
• 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• Gates 70 – 129 Checkpoint

ORLANDO, Fla. – To advance the next era of aviation and fulfill its vision to become the global leader in the evolution of mobility, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority hosted a two-day tabletop exercise this week exploring how to successfully integrate Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, into operations at Orlando International Airport (MCO).

The exercise was sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and included multiple FAA organizations. The Advanced Air Mobility Implementation Plan aims to safely and efficiently integrate AAM operations into the National Airspace System over the next few years.

“Orlando International Airport has a goal to serve as a technology incubator and premier on-airport research-and-development site for AAM technologies, and ultimately integrate operations into the multimodal environment at the airport,” said Kevin J. Thibault, GOAA CEO. “This two-day exercise helped us to develop groundwork for eVTOLs and other aircraft that will shape the future of aviation.”

FAA and elected officials, consultants, developers, representatives from five original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and three airlines attended the event at the Lake Nona Wave Hotel.

Discussions centered around how to safely integrate AAM operations at MCO without impact to existing commercial operations

The Aviation Authority has identified the east airfield, an undeveloped parcel on the northeast side of Orlando International, as a potential location for the development of initial AAM facilities.

GOAA has invested into preparing the east airfield site for future development, which now includes conceptual plans for a vertiport and a research and development center. Orlando International has a keen advantage in developing AAM technology due to its campus size of 11,000-plus acres.

Airport officials and staff will continue to collaborate with partners to ensure that Orlando International is positioned as a leader in the adoption of AAM operations and continue to cultivate relationships that will benefit every airport in Florida.

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. – Credit reporting agencies are confirming their confidence in Greater Orlando Aviation Authority’s (GOAA) financial management and significant investment in projects designed to meet the demands of travel. This recognition includes upgrades to GOAA’s senior and subordinate airport facilities revenue bond ratings from Moody’s, Fitch, and Kroll (KBRA).

Senior Bonds

• Moody’s Ratings: Aa2
• Fitch Ratings: AA
• KBRA: AA+

Subordinated Bonds

• Moody’s Ratings: Aa3
• Fitch Ratings: AA-
• KBRA: AA

This follows a S&P Global Ratings’ upgrade in June to AA for the Senior Bonds.

The Series 2024 bonds are being issued for the purpose of funding GOAA’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and capitalized interest on portions of CIP projects. As Florida’s busiest airport, and among the highest-rated airports in the nation, these rating upgrades reflect the organization’s financial strength and forward-thinking strategies.

“We are dedicated to delivering a world-class experience for the nearly 60 million guests who travel through our terminals each year,” said Kevin J. Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of GOAA. “Our capital improvement plan leverages innovative technologies to modernize the airport and ensure seamless travel – from parking to passenger gates.”

Among the key credit strengths noted:

• Orlando International Airport's near-monopoly position for air travel in one of the primary tourism destinations in the world, which has been the main driver for strong performance.
• Experienced and effective management team that employs prudent financial planning and risk management practices in the successful operation of an airport the size and scale of MCO.
• Expectation of continued strong performance, which supports maintenance of robust financial metrics even with the additional debt issuance to fund the airport's current capital improvement program.

The issuance of airport facilities revenue bonds, including the Series 2024 Bonds, is a vital tool for funding MCO’s modernization and expansion.

GOAA’s 2024-2029 CIP is a $5.4 billion, multi-year investment plan that aims, in part, to expand airport capacity and enhance customer experiences. Key projects include:

• Improving infrastructure in Terminals A & B
• Airsides 2 & 4 Automated People Mover (APM) System Replacement
• Terminal C Phase 2 Site and Apron projects

ORLANDO, Fla. – As the nation’s holiday travelers continue to eye Central Florida as a preferred destination, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is preparing to welcome millions of Thanksgiving visitors. Projections for 2024 are calling for more than 1.9 million passengers to pass through MCO during the course of the 12-day holiday travel period, November 22, 2024, through December 3, 2024.

“With our experience from the past two holiday seasons, Orlando International Airport is prepared for the robust influx of guests expected this Thanksgiving,” said Kevin J. Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “Our airport staff, security partners and vendors are energized by the challenge of this year’s expected holiday surge.”

After an unusually large increase in passengers in 2023, activity in 2024 will see a slight decline. But this year is still expected to see substantially more passengers than in 2022, which drew 1.75 million total, and previous years.

Industry analysts point to several factors for the slight drop-off, including some airlines reducing flights and ongoing aircraft delivery delays. Additionally, 2023 at MCO was an outlier for passenger volume and set a record.

The busiest day this season is forecast to be the Sunday after Thanksgiving, December 1, which is projected to see a total of 181,688 arriving and departing passengers.

The travel period forecasts:

Airport officials offer passengers advice on how to make their journey go as smoothly as possible, starting with the 3-2-1 rule: Passengers should be at the airport ticket counter 3 hours before their flight; at the checkpoint 2 hours before; and at the gate 1 hour before departure.

Another reminder: Parking will be at a premium. Passengers should take advantage of the Reserved Parking program and remember there are three surface lots available this year.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) is excited to welcome a new era of The Orlando Experience™ with an appealing brand-new logo, completely rebuilt website and bold innovative app, all significant steps in enhancing digital services and optimizing efficiency for passengers and the vast airport community.

“Marking the transition from our iconic Rolling ‘O’ logo to a vibrant new visual identity that reflects the dynamic spirit of our community and enhances the travel experience for our passengers is a significant milestone in our journey,” said Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which operates Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). “This rebranding initiative is grounded in our commitment to our four core pillars: People, Community, Connection, and Innovation, and it cleverly touches on each.”

The logo was unveiled during “TAKEOFF 2024,” an event to celebrate the Aviation Authority’s impact and contributions, which featured Ambassador “Sully” Sullenberger III as the keynote speaker. Sullenberger became internationally renowned when, as a pilot, he and his crew safely guided a commercial plane to an emergency water landing, known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.”

“I am honored to have addressed Central Florida community leaders, who are enthusiastic about the projects taking shape at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, during the TAKEOFF event,” said Ambassador Sullenberger. “Sharing my story and love for aviation, coupled with the reveal of the new look for the Aviation Authority, has made for a memorable day. I sincerely thank Mr. Thibault and Chairman Weisheyer for inviting me.”

Following his remarks, Sullenberger answered a few questions from the audience. Mr. Thibault then revealed the new logos for MCO, ORL, GOAA and the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) department.

LOGOS

The new logos are designed to capture the essence of modern travel while honoring our rich history.

Led by the creative team at SIX The Agency, the design process highlighted the importance of merging multimodal capabilities and world-class traveler amenities with a design that embodies Orlando's unique attributes.

Central to the new logos is a dynamic representation of sun rays, symbolizing innovation and a new dawn. The letter ‘O’ in Orlando serves as the focal point, surrounded by rays that culminate in the shape of a passenger jet, representing seamless travel connections and forward motion. As the gateway to Florida, the team introduced energy and warmth reflective of our vibrant state. Throughout the process, the key element are the sun rays.

“This rebranding journey reflects our growth and commitment to the community,” said GOAA Board Chairman Tim Weisheyer. “Our new logo and digital platforms are designed to resonate with travelers and stakeholders alike, representing a forward movement for our airports.”

The ARFF logo also took on a new look, following the theme of sunrays emanating from the center of the logo and using “MCO” as the location.

WEBSITE & APP

The new GOAA website and enhanced app are designed to modernize the Aviation Authority’s digital presence and align with the rebranding, with the website promising to deliver a faster, more secure, and user-friendly experience for all airport visitors.

Working closely with GOAA leadership, a steering team was formed to identify structural and non-structural elements, such as graphics, fonts and color palettes that would be needed for a more thoughtful user session.

The Move Agency, a digital airport solutions provider, was selected as the designer. Move’s Digital Airport Platform, which integrates seamlessly with essential services like parking, flight availability, and scheduling, supported the steering team’s vision.

The new website is built on the headless content management system (CMS), Contentful, which is designed as a robust content server rather than a traditional website framework. This allows for simultaneous updates across both the website and mobile app, ensuring consistent content and user experience.