USA. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), in partnership with key retailers, has revealed the initial selection of 40 retail and dining brands for the first phase of its commercial redevelopment programme at Orlando International Airport terminals A and B.
The commercial upgrade is a key component of a broader, multi-million-dollar, multi-year investment to modernise the two terminals, enhancing the airport experience for nearly 60 million travellers annually and supporting future growth.
GOAA CEO Kevin J. Thibault said: “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.
“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.”
The first phase of the concession plan spans 7,154sq m of commercial space, with design work beginning shortly and renovations targeted for mid-2025.
Retail locations will be operated in collaboration with renowned operators, including OTG Concessions Management, Areas, SSP America, The Marshall Retail Group, NewsLink and Villa Restaurant Group.
The first phase of the concessions programme will feature notable Central Florida restaurants Stasio’s, Smoke & Donuts, Kelly’s Ice Cream, SoDough Detroit Pizza, Milkhouse, Jam-Eng and 4Rivers.
The mix of restaurants and retail stores will offer substantial visibility for local business owners, the airport company said.
Phases 2 and 3 of the concessions programme are included in a broader project approved by the GOAA Board, with an investment exceeding US$65 million to redesign the interiors of airsides 1 and 3, and levels 1 and 3 of terminals A and B. The renovations will include upgrades to flooring, restrooms, baggage claim areas and gates.
Automated parking guidance system
In addition to the commercial upgrades at the terminals, the GOAA Board has approved a US$13 million project to install parking guidance system technology across the airport’s parking garages.
The GOAA Board has selected Transportation Systems Inc. of Apopka to deploy an automated parking guidance system across the airport’s three parking garages and Terminal Top.
The parking guidance selected is described as similar to those used at Central Florida attractions, hospitals and many large-hub airports.
The camera-based system will track parking space occupancy in real-time, using colour-coded lights to lead drivers to available spots.
Digital signage will be placed along roadways, at garage entry points and across the garages, displaying real-time data on the number of available parking spaces, lane by lane.
Installation of the parking guidance system is set to start by the middle of next year following a design period, with an expected completion timeline of 24 months. The garages will remain operational while the system is rolled out in phases.
To better serve passengers, the GOAA Board approved a committee’s proposal for a camera-based parking guidance system equipped with licence plate reader technology, allowing airport staff to assist guests in locating their vehicles.
Upon full installation, the new system will deliver real-time updates for approximately 11,000 spaces across the airport’s four parking garages.
The airport’s parking capacity covers approximately 23,000 spaces, including the newly added surface lots Atlantis, Discovery and Endeavour, located near the train station.
In addition, Orlando International leadership previously revealed its plans to open a Consolidated Rental Car Facility, expanding parking capacity by 4,500 spaces within the current garages. ✈
