The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority unanimously approved plans that will result in the construction of a new South Terminal Complex at Orlando International (MCO).
The capital improvement plans include new landside and airside buildings, public parking and rental car facilities, ground transportation elements and other infrastructure.
Construction could start during the first quarter of 2017.
The project was necessitated, airport officials say, by record-setting passenger numbers at MCO coupled with the airport’s desire to increase its capacity in order to deliver the highest levels of customer service. In 2015, the airport processed an all-time record of 38.8 million passengers and more than 5 million international passengers.
“The [plan] reflects the growth of our global appeal as an international travel gateway for business and leisure,” says Frank Kruppenbacher, chairman of the authority. “To enhance our capacity to accommodate projected passenger increases, it is essential we move forward with the South Terminal construction sooner rather than later.”
The new South Terminal Complex and associated apron and taxiway will encompass approximately 300 acres. The building program will comprise 2.7 million square feet. The airside terminal will have capacity to serve both international and domestic flights and the 16 to 24 gates will accommodate the narrowest and widest of aircraft.
Funding will come from a variety of sources, including passenger facility charge revenues, grants, bonds and aviation authority funds.
