The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority got a first look at design concepts for Phase 1 Terminal C of the South Terminal Complex project at Orlando International (MCO) this week.
“In order for Orlando International Airport to continue to offer world-class customer service, we need to expand our world-class facilities while also adding excitement to the travel experience,” says Frank Kruppenbacher, GOAA chairman.
Architect Curtis Fentress presented preliminary designs for the first phase of the project, which will cost $1.8 billion. The designs include the following:
- “The Boulevard” – A corridor that runs the length of terminal will connect the major civic areas of the ground transportation facility, ticket hall and concessions hub.
- A new baggage handling system – Using Radio Frequency Identification, 100 percent of bags will be tracked. There will also be faster baggage conveyors.
- New concessions – Concessions located beyond security will increase. There will be opportunities for clubs/lounges as well as a “concessions in the park” area.
- Multimedia experience – The ticket hall, concessions hub and ground transportation facility will have interactive video displays.
“The challenge is to create a new gateway for Orlando, one that is unique and says Orlando and enhances the Orlando experience,” says Fentress. “We’re making this intuitive so the passenger is drawn from one element to the next in order to create a very exciting and memorable arrival into the city of Orlando.”
The first phase encompasses 16 gates and will feature a flexible gate configuration. Construction on the South Terminal is expected to begin during the first quarter of 2017, according to MCO Executive Director Phil Brown.
