The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (Aviation Authority) published its Strategic Plan in 2023 to articulate a long-term vision for the organization and the deliberate actions to realize that vision. The Strategic Plan presents a holistic perspective for the Aviation Authority and its priorities whereas the Orlando International Airport (MCO) Master Plan Update is a facility-focused study for determining the short, medium, and long-term development plans to meet future aviation demand at the airport.

The airport master plan process is guided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and ultimately results in publication of a master plan report which will include the following:

• Inventory of existing airport conditions
• Aviation activity forecasts
• Demand/capacity analysis and facility requirements
• Alternatives definition and evaluation
• Refinement of the preferred airport development alternative
• Implementation plan for future Improvements and new capital projects
• Environmental overview
• Sustainability strategy
• Airport Layout Plan (ALP) drawing set

The Master Plan Update also includes public engagement throughout the process to provide updates on the study’s progress to airport and community stakeholders while allowing an opportunity for input.

An airport master plan process typically takes 30 to 36 months depending on several factors. The Orlando International Airport (MCO) Master Plan Update schedule is dependent on stakeholder involvement, federal and local regulations, and the Federal Aviation Administration's approval of the Aviation Activity Forecast and the Airport Layout Plan (ALP).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reviews, and ultimately approves, both the aviation activity forecast and the Airport Layout Plan (ALP). In addition, the FAA is actively engaged throughout the master planning process and may provide comments on the master plan’s findings, recommendations and deliverables, and may offer technical assistance and support.

An aviation activity forecast is a projection of future airline passengers, cargo tonnage, based aircraft, and aircraft operations to occur at the airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will review and approve the aviation activity forecasts associated with the Orlando International Airport (MCO) Master Plan Update.

Aviation activity forecast (sometimes called “demand forecasts”) are based on a review of historical trends, econometric modeling, and professional judgment. Activity forecasts help the Aviation Authority provide the right types, sizes, and functionality of facilities to accommodate the anticipated needs of all airport users.

The Orlando International Airport activity forecast is influenced by the economic performance of Central Florida and nation as a whole, the airport’s role within airline route networks, and correlation of historical aviation activity with socioeconomic data trends. As demand grows, airlines will expand their service at MCO based upon how the Airport fits within the greater network.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for reviewing and approving the aviation activity forecast. The agency guidance is intended to ensure forecasts are realistic, based on reasonable planning assumptions and current data, and developed using an appropriate methodology. As part of the review process, forecasts are also compared to the FAA’s Orlando International Airport (MCO) Terminal Area Forecast (TAF) to ensure the Master Plan Update forecasts are consistent with the current TAF. Substantial differences between the forecast and the TAF must be resolved before proceeding with the master plan study.

The demand (or need) for future facilities can be determined based on the activity forecasts. This would include required airfield capacity and capability, terminal gates and passenger service facilities, roads, parking and rental car facilities, and other airport facilities. Planners compare the demand for future facilities with the available facilities (capacity, configuration, etc.) as documented during the inventory to determine the need and timing for facility expansions, modifications, or additions. This process is sometimes also referred to as a “gap analysis” and the results referred to as the “facility requirements.”

An Airport Layout Plan (ALP) is a scaled, graphical presentation of the existing and future airport facilities, their location on the airport campus, and pertinent clearance and dimensional information. The ALP is an output of a master plan study that contains information used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to program future funding assistance and to monitor the airport’s compliance with design standards and grant assurances. It also allows the FAA to anticipate budgetary and procedural needs, and to protect the airspace required for facility or aircraft approach procedure improvements.

To be eligible for federal funding, the ALP must be submitted to the FAA for review and approval. An up-to-date FAA-approved ALP ensures the safety, utility, and efficiency of the airport is maintained. It also allows the airport to receive financial assistance under the terms of the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP) that is administered under the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 and to be able to receive specific Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) funding.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority will conduct three public workshops throughout the master planning process to present information and solicit comments. Comments may be submitted via comment cards that will be distributed at each workshop. Alternatively, comments may be submitted at any time on the Comments Page which also has an opt-in for notifications about updates to the master plan.