Orlando International (MCO) will begin construction on its Terminal C, Phase 1 project as early as the first quarter of 2017, the airport announced.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board approved the construction start this week. The project is projected to cost $1.8 billion and has a completion target of summer 2020.
“Today’s travelers to Central Florida demand a memorable experience, so it is essential that we strive to stay at the forefront of design, innovation, customer care and improved connectivity,” said Phil Brown, executive director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “Our challenge is to provide state-of-the-art services and facilities at an affordable cost.”
Phase 1 of the South Terminal Facility will add 16 gates to increase Orlando International’s capacity to 55 million annual passengers. The total building program will comprise 2.7 million square feet and include the terminal expansion, a new baggage handling system and a six-story, 5,000-space expanded parking garage.
The approval for the project came after a presentation by Curtis Fentress, president and CEO of Fentress Architects, in collaboration with general consultant Schenkel Shultz and architect of record HNTB.
Fentress outlined key design elements that support the central theme of “The Boulevard,” which connects civic areas and provides a unique customer experience. The South Terminal will also include a Town Square and Palm Court interior concepts.
“We want to go beyond The Orlando Experience to the future,” said Fentress. “Using our touchstones of design, we want to create a timeless design for the passenger experience now and for generations to come.”
Orlando International said the expansion is necessary to keep pace with increasing passenger traffic. Current construction on the airport’s North Terminal Complex will expand capacity to 45 million annual passengers. For the 12-month period ending in September, MCO had handled 41.5 million passengers.
“Our community is building and growing, so we need to enhance our ability to handle the expected increase in visitors,” said Frank Kruppenbacher, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Chairman. “As the premier global gateway into Central Florida, meeting the rising demand and maintaining the highest travel standards is our responsibility.”
