The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) board has voted to expand the scope of the South Terminal Complex (STC) project at Orlando International Airport in Florida, adding three new gates to the previously approved 16-gate Phase 1 stage.
The additional three gates will accommodate up to six narrow body aircraft and cater to both domestic and international requirements. They will also boost gate availability, enhance connection times, and allow for airport growth.
Frank Kruppenbacher, chairman of the GOAA, said, “As the busiest airport in the state of Florida, Orlando International serves as a gateway for the most visited destination in the country with a recently reported 72 million annual visitors to the Orlando region. The expansion will help meet the current and projected growth in passenger traffic and airline service.”
Recent record growth to more than 45 million annual passengers has created the need to expand the original South Terminal project. In order to meet increasing demand by passengers and airlines, the board also approved an updated Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to address the need for greater convenience.
The CIP is a multi-year plan of major capital projects linked to the aviation authority’s strategic goals. The updated CIP incorporating this project and others – including North Terminal equipment system updates, checkpoint expansion and ground transportation road enhancements – will total US$4.27bn.
Phil Brown, CEO at the GOAA, added, “With today’s (May 16) action, the board’s decision also authorizes the aviation authority to seek approval from the FAA to use passenger facility charges to fund a significant portion of the project.”
The Phase I project is expected to open in spring 2021.