Orlando, Fla. – While Orlando International and Orlando Executive airports are both open and operational, crews with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority are undertaking storm preps in advance of Hurricane Helene out of an abundance of caution.

These storm preps include securing outdoor equipment, lowering water levels in area ponds, removing A-frame signage near certain parking areas, ensuring emergency generators are working properly, and pruning trees to minimize potential debris.

Team members have also held briefings with airlines and other airport partners as well as activated the Aviation Authority’s hurricane emergency response plan.

Safety is a priority and preservation of facilities are important during storm events.

The Aviation Authority will take protective measures throughout the coming hours and will continue to monitor the storm through the National Weather Service in Melbourne and coordinate airport activities accordingly.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving more than 57 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from down Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region

ORLANDO, Fla. – Travel demand is driving another robust budget for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA). On Wednesday, the GOAA board unanimously approved airport operating budgets that will fund continuing efforts to maintain optimal levels of customer service as the Aviation Authority maintains financial responsibility.

The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Budget for Orlando International Airport (MCO) is $941,278,000, which is a nearly $110 million increase in revenue over last year’s budget. It includes no local tax dollars and derives the greatest portion of funding from airline charges, airport user fees, and parking & ground transportation.

Key elements of the MCO budget include: • An increase in Cost Per Enplaned passenger (CPE) from $9.28 to $11.92 for participating airlines • An $8.92M increase in Parking & Ground Transportation revenue • An increase of $46.8M in Terminal Premises rentals • A $3.1M increase in Rental Car revenue • A $10.4M increase in Concessions revenue

The budget for Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) is $10,692,000, an increase of $4,984,000 more than last year. ORL’s proposed budget reflects increases in aviation-related revenue and capital outlay expenses.

NEW FIRE CHIEF APPROVED Following the retirement announcement of the Aviation Authority’s first female Fire Chief Brenda Bishop, the Board approved her replacement. Deputy Fire Chief Timothy Mentzer will take over as Chief of MCO’s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) department.

He joined the Aviation Authority as a Firefighter/Paramedic in January of 2004 and was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief in May 2023. He will assume his new duties when Bishop officially retires on October 4, 2024.

ARFF provides fire suppression, aircraft, and structural, emergency medical services (EMS) with transport capabilities and special team operations. The department is staffed by 107 total positions.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving more than 57 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.

Orlando, Fla. – Citing family health concerns, the Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Kevin J. Thibault tendered his resignation to the GOAA board effective January 31, 2025.

In his letter to GOAA Board Chairman Tim Weisheyer, Mr. Thibault said:

“Thank you and Immediate Past Chairman Mr. Carson Good for the support you’ve given me over the past two years. I wish you and all the GOAA team all the best.” Mr. Thibault also referred to how he enjoyed his role as CEO. “As a transportation professional, to serve as a state transportation secretary and now as the Chief Executive Officer of the 7th largest airport in the United States has truly been the epitome of a professional career well served. When you look back at what has been accomplished in the past two years, I am confident that this airport is positioned for continued greatness in the years to come.”

The announcement comes after two-plus years at the helm of the Aviation Authority, which has seen dramatic improvements and growth at both Orlando International (MCO) and Orlando Executive (ORL) airports. During this time, passenger traffic went from 50 million passengers to more than 58 million at MCO and cemented its position as the busiest airport in the state of Florida. It also ranks the 7th busiest in the United States and the 18th busiest in the world.

“Kevin has been an exceptional leader and a tireless advocate for our airport and our community,” said Tim Weisheyer, GOAA Board Chairman. “His tenure has been defined by a tireless dedication to excellence and will leave an indelible mark on the Aviation Authority. The Board fully respects his decision to put family first, but we will miss his vision and commitment that enhanced our reputation as a world-class global gateway.”

Prior to joining the Aviation Authority, Mr. Thibault served as Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), where he was responsible for coordinating the planning and development of a safe, viable, and balanced transportation system, including multimodal facilities. Throughout his 19 years with FDOT, Mr. Thibault consistently focused on the importance of partnerships to deliver the transportation needs of the state.

The crowning accomplishments of his GOAA tenure were the successful openings of the $2.8 billion Terminal C, which stands adjacent to the Brightline train station, along with the development and implementation of a new Strategic Plan, renewing the mission, vision and values of the Aviation Authority as well as identifying new strategic priorities aligned with four pillars: People, Connection, Community and Innovation.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving more than 57 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from down Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.

Orlando, Fla. – The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a special art exhibit and other cultural events that will be happening throughout the airport.

Kicking off the celebration, Gallery MCO will feature a distinguished collection of artworks from the Central Florida community that highlight the richness and diversity of the Hispanic culture. The exhibit, which runs through the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, features more than 20 pieces by Hispanic artists from various countries, including Peru, Venezuela, and Cuba.

This showcase is presented in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County with support from Duke Energy as part of their "Pioneers of Change" initiative.

In addition to the art exhibit, GOAA will host several events including musical performances by the Don Soledad Trio on September 13 and Mariachi Oro Internacional on September 20. Travelers can enjoy a Dominoes game area on September 27, and GOAA employees will take part in their own celebrations with a karaoke event on October 4.

A special feature on our Hispanic employees will be revealed on the Aviation Authority’s social media channels on Oct. 11, showcasing unique perspectives and stories.

GOAA is excited to bring this celebration of Hispanic culture to travelers and staff, reinforcing its commitment to honoring the diverse backgrounds that make up the vibrant Orlando community.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving more than 57 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from down Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.

ORLANDO, Fla. – After a full year as a pilot program, the Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program at Orlando International Airport, which allows guests to explore, shop, and dine post-security at Terminal C, without a boarding pass, has now become a permanent addition to the airport. This means that residents and guests of the Orlando area can now count on the unique dining, retail and digital media experiences of Terminal C to be available to non-travelers for the foreseeable future, provided they are approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and adhere to the rules and regulations of the program. Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program (youtube.com)

During the year-long pilot program, over 6,000 reservations to visit Terminal C were made. Most survey respondents cited “to explore Terminal C” as the primary purpose of their visit, with “to shop or dine” coming in second. Other users of the program used Experience MCO to meet or wave farewell to a loved one. The program is also popular with the planespotting community.

“Experience MCO gives our guests the opportunity to enjoy Terminal C on their own time,” said Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) CEO Kevin J. Thibault. “Thanks to the cooperation with our TSA partners, the program is a success. We look forward to more reservations in the future whether it’s to explore the interactive Moment Vault or dine at one of the popular restaurant concepts.”

Applying for the Experience MCO Visitor Pass:

ORLANDO, Fla. – Labor Day weekend traditionally represents the summer’s last chance to get away, and once again that travel philosophy will make Orlando International Airport (MCO) a bustling place.

Passenger traffic over the six-day travel period, from August 29 through September 3, 2024, is expected to increase by 1.4% over the same period in 2023. In total, nearly 900,000 travelers will pass through MCO, with Monday, September 2, anticipated as the busiest day with a combined 164,231 passengers.

"We're excited for the opportunity to once again demonstrate Connection, one of the priorities in our Strategic Plan,” said Kevin J. Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. "During this busy season, travelers will benefit from our air service to more than 160 destinations, bringing connectivity across the U.S. and to the world.”