USA. Orlando International Airport is set to almost double in size in terms of passenger capacity after its authority approved a US$1.1 billion dollar capital improvement plan.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board gave the go-ahead to the plan, which will increase its capacity from 24 million a year to 45 million. Construction is expected to begin in fiscal year 2014 and will conclude by fiscal year 2017.
The main objectives of the CIP include maintaining existing facilities and modifying and expanding existing facilities to achieve ultimate North Terminal capacity. It will also include improving international processing to accommodate growth and developing facilities to generate non-aviation revenue. [See below for a cost breakdown of the project]
A key goal of the CIP is to address issues of capacity for the short and long term. “As a major economic engine for the region, Orlando International Airport is poised to meet the growth demands of our global community,” said GOAA Chairman Frank Kruppenbacher.
“Over US$5 billion has been earmarked for investment into local industries, which creates jobs, and we must anticipate the demand these investments will create.”
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GOAA Board members (left) discuss the plans, which include an automated people mover complex (right) |
A proposed South Airport automated people mover (APM) complex will support future multi-modal travel connections, including All Aboard Florida, and enhance the airport’s current North Terminal capacity by providing a direct connection to the 2,400 space South Terminal parking garage.
Meanwhile, Airside 4 improvements will increase international and domestic passenger processing capabilities and will include the addition of four new international gates. Ticket lobby renovations will enable more efficient processing of passengers and baggage in the North Terminal.
The planned enhancements will also allow the airport to continue providing a high level of customer service while maintaining its reputation for fiscal responsibility, the authority said.
“Our philosophy has always been to plan for the future and implement strategies that make financial sense,” added GOAA Executive Director Phil Brown.”Our overall goal is to provide an efficient facility by phasing in projects over time and securing funding, while limiting the impact on the travelling public.”
The authority is anticipating the plans will create 4,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Central Florida community.
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The airport currently has capacity for 24 million passengers a year |
Key aspects of the US$1.1 billion project include:
Maintaining Current Facilities
Terminal Ticket Lobby/Baggage – US$113 million
Baggage Improvements – US$148 million
Other Terminal Projects – US$60 million
Airsides 1 & 3 APM – US$90 million
Airfield Projects – US$76 million
Ground Transportation/Other – US$33 million
Support Sustainable Growth
South Airport APM Complex – US$470 million
Airside 4 International Improvements – US$114 million
Future Considerations
South Terminal – to be determined
