ORLANDO, FL. — As Orlando International Airport continues to rank among the busiest departure airports in the country, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board considered an agenda full of recovery and development projects. At today’s Board meeting, information was presented regarding construction of the South Terminal Complex (STC), airline growth and an update on concessions activity.
Progress on the new South Terminal has passed the 70 percent completion threshold, with most of the attention now being directed toward the interior. The Board approved several New Business items dealing with the building out of airline spaces at both the Landside and Airside terminals. Proposals for new concessions were also reviewed, including approval of a negotiated agreement with Universal for a themed retail store. The two-level space will occupy more than 7,000 square feet. In addition, several Requests for Proposal (RFP) were reviewed for Passenger Lounge and Food and Beverage concessions.
The Aviation Authority also expanded partnerships with two of MCO’s busiest airlines. Spirit Airlines announced it will be splitting its Operational Control Center (OCC) between South Florida and Orlando, with 40 percent of OCC jobs moving to Orlando International Airport in June. Initially it will mean the addition of 75 jobs, increasing to more than 100 as the airline continues to grow. According to Spirit, the OCC handles critical tasks associated with keeping planes moving through its network. Nearly 1,200 Spirit team members are already based at MCO. GOAA also approved a lease extension with Southwest Airlines for its Maintenance Complex at Orlando International. The 20-year agreement with two 5-year options features a new rent structure and went into effect on February 1, 2021.
“We are confident that the new year will see improvements in the economy and travel activity,” said Phil Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “Today’s Board decisions for tenant buildouts in the South Terminal project and expanded airline business operations will enable us to continue our efforts to remain responsive to the challenges of the present while preparing for the future.”
Mr. Brown also updated the Board on current operations at MCO. The AdventHeath Centra Care COVID-19 testing clinic located at the west end of the Main Terminal is open five days a week for travelers or residents seeking Rapid Antigen tests. Second doses of COVID vaccine will be administered on Feb. 5th & 6th at AdventHealth’s pop up clinic located off Tradeport Drive. And Concessions activity continues to increase at MCO. Seventy-three percent of food and beverage concessions are now open; with 82 percent of retail outlets and 56 percent of services open.
The information herein is provided as of the dates specified. Due to the outbreak and continuation of COVID-19 subsequent to the date of such information, the information contained herein may differ materially from the current operational and financial data.
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