Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, addresses the audience during Takeoff 2025.

ORLANDO, Fla. – In a nod to innovation and the future of aviation, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) today hosted Takeoff 2025 to highlight how Orlando International (MCO) and Orlando Executive (ORL) airports will grow and evolve during the next decade.

The event, held at Magic Carpet Aviation, attracted business and community leaders from across Central Florida and provided an opportunity to network amongst the backdrop of planes and runway activity at Orlando International Airport. GOAA Board Chair Stephanie Kopelousos welcomed the audience to the sun-filled space and introduced GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle, who joined the Aviation Authority in April.

Building on GOAA’s four foundational pillars of Customer Experience, Community, Infrastructure, and People, Mr. Lyttle told the audience that GOAA plans to create places where technology and hospitality work to serve people better.

“Building the airport of the future is more than an aspiration. It’s part of who we are. It’s the essence of our work and the spirit that guides every decision we make,” Mr. Lyttle said. “It means being smarter, more sustainable, and more connected. It means creating places where technology and hospitality work hand in hand to serve people better. It’s about moving from function to experience, from infrastructure to inspiration.”

Marc Randolph, Netflix Co-Founder & Former CEO, was the event’s guest speaker. He followed Mr. Lyttle’s remarks and encouraged the audience to push forward on their ideas, saying it’s hard to tell a good idea from a bad idea and that “nobody knows anything.”

“It is the key to understanding innovation. Because if nobody knows anything, you only have one thing to do, which is you’ve got to take that risk,” he said.

Following his remarks, Mr. Randolph sat down with Mr. Lyttle for a Q&A session. The two discussed how innovative companies and organizations don’t shrink from disruption but embrace it because disruption can be good for everyone.

The event also briefly covered some of the initiatives GOAA will focus on during the next five to 10 years, including:

• Building a reputation for hospitality and creating seamless journeys for travelers as staff aims for a 5-Star Skytrax airport rating.

• Strengthening partnerships and expanding opportunity by developing new cargo facilities, advancing plans for an FAA-approved on-airport Advanced Air Mobility vertiport by 2030, and increasing non-aeronautical revenue to reinvest in Central Florida.

• Modernizing Terminals A and B, complete with a new baggage handling system, continuing to expand Terminal C, and increasing parking by 8,000 spaces.

• Launching a fully operational Business Incubator at MCO to drive innovation and strategic growth, including increasing the number of small businesses working with MCO by 40%.

These initiatives are part of GOAA’s Visioning Plan, which the Board approved in October.

Orlando International and Orlando Executive airports are two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways with a combined economic impact of $41 billion dollars. MCO served more than 57 million passengers in 2024 and is ranked the No.1 airport in Florida, the 9th airport in the U.S., and the 25th busiest airport in the world.

About Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

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 nearly 58 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. – With the federal government shutdown ending, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) would like to thank all federal employees who continued their vital work at our airports throughout the shutdown and thank passengers for their patience during this time.

ORLANDO, Fla. – An Emergency Order by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified Orlando International Airport (MCO) as one of 40 U.S. airports to have flight reductions. This FAA order, in response to the federal government shutdown, is effective as of Friday, November 7, 2025.

This is expected to result in fewer arrivals and departures at MCO, which should slow the rate of activity in the National Airspace System and assist airports that are experiencing staffing challenges. Ultimately, this order maintains the highest level of safety.

To this point, Orlando International Airport has been fortunate that federal airport employees have continued to work and there has been minimal impact on airport operations. We deeply appreciate our federal partners for their commitment.

The reduction in flights is likely to impact passengers, unfortunately, and we ask that they check directly with their airlines regarding delays and cancellations.

The airport is fully staffed to assist as much as possible during this time.

TOKYO - For the first time in its history, Orlando International Airport will offer nonstop passenger charter service to Tokyo, enriching cultural ties and creating more opportunities for robust economic activity between two of the world’s most visited regions.

The announcement was made at the Hotel New Otani on Tuesday to a wide-ranging audience of company executives from Disney, government representatives, and tourism officials, along with dozens of media members. The new service with ZIPAIR is not only the first-ever nonstop passenger flight between Tokyo and Orlando, but also the first nonstop passenger service between Florida and the Asia Pacific. Tokyo had been Orlando’s largest unserved Asian market.

“Our partnership with ZIPAIR is more than just a new route. It’s history,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which operates Orlando International Airport. “This will be the first-ever nonstop passenger flight between Asia Pacific and the state of Florida. The partnership is a testament to the economic strength we share between our communities. We look forward to welcoming ZIPAIR passengers with the warmth and hospitality that both our nations cherish.”

“We are extremely proud of this historic achievement, as this will be the first non-stop charter flight from Japan to Orlando, Florida,” said Shingo Nishida, Representative Director/President, ZIPAIR Tokyo. “Orlando is home to numerous world-class theme parks and by operating these charter flights for travelers from Japan, we hope to meet our customers’ expectations when they experience ZIPAIR's new standard in air travel. We certainly look forward to welcoming Disney fans and guests on our charter flights next Spring.”

GOAA’s Chief Commercial Officer Vicki Jaramillo was in Tokyo to make the announcement. Also attending was Alex Kelly, Secretary of the Florida Department of Commerce, and Matt Swanson, Interim President of SelectFlorida, the state’s international trade and investment agency. ZIPAIR will operate four charter flights between MCO (Orlando) and NRT (Tokyo) between February 23 and March 10, 2026.

Travel and tourism leaders say the charter flights could lay the groundwork for additional service between Orlando and Tokyo.

The announcement quickly drew support across the Central Florida region, which has collaborated for several years to bring passenger flights to and from Japan.

Atsuko Germano, mickeynet, LLC: “This is a tremendous win for international tourism and for our guests. By providing more direct and convenient access, this charter passenger service will open the door for countless families and travelers to enjoy the unforgettable adventures these destinations offer on both sides of the Pacific.”

Faron Kelley, SVP, Disney Destinations Sales Strategy & Solutions, Disney Experiences: “Direct connectivity between Orlando and Tokyo brings Disney magic closer than ever. Whether it’s exploring the wonder of Walt Disney World Resort or enjoying the enchantment of Tokyo Disney Resort, this new nonstop flight opens the door to unforgettable vacations and cherished memories for families and friends on both sides of the globe.”

Casandra Matej, President &CEO, Visit Orlando: “This new direct air service from Tokyo is a landmark moment for Orlando, opening an entirely new gateway and making us the first destination in Florida with connectivity with Asia. It reflects years of collaboration with Orlando International Airport, Disney and several Central Florida tourism partners, and supports Visit Orlando’s long-term vision to grow international visitation. This new route unlocks exciting opportunities to showcase Orlando’s world-famous theme parks, thrilling sports, vibrant culinary scene, and rich cultural experiences to travelers across Asia.”

D.T. Minich, President & CEO, Experience Kissimmee: “Connecting two continents through this new air service is more than a new destination - it’s also a bridge between cultures, economies, and opportunities. Every new flight brings our regions closer together, encouraging the exchange of ideas, the growth of tourism, and the strengthening of business partnerships.”

Overview

• Route: Narita International Airport = Orlando International Airport
• Number of Flights: 4 Roundtrip Flights (Total 8 Flights per Direction)
• Planned Dates of Operation: February 23, February 28, March 5, and March 10, 2026
  • Flights Depart Narita during the afternoon ⇒ Arriving at Orlando in the afternoon
  • Flights Depart Orlando during the afternoon ⇒ Arriving Narita in the evening

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is setting course on an ambitious and strategic vision to redefine world-class experiences at Orlando International and Orlando Executive airports.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) has unveiled a new strategic vision designed to guide the future of Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) over the next decade.

Centered on enhancing the customer experience and strengthening the Aviation Authority’s role as a driver of economic growth and innovation, the vision is built around four foundational pillars: Customer Experience, Community, Infrastructure, and People.

Since joining GOAA earlier this year, Chief Executive Officer Lance Lyttle has been focused on developing a long-term strategy for a new era of growth and enhancing the guest experience at two of Central Florida’s most important aviation gateways. As the busiest airport in Florida, and one of the busiest in the United States, MCO continues to experience strong travel demand. ORL serves as the region’s premier general aviation facility and primary reliever airport for MCO.

“This vision focuses and unites everything we do around one core purpose: delivering an exceptional experience for everyone who passes through our airports,” said Mr. Lyttle. “We’re creating spaces that are more welcoming, efficient, and enjoyable, from the parking areas to the gate, so that every step of the journey feels seamless.”

Airport leaders presented the vision to GOAA board members during a workshop on October 8. After reviewing the plan, developed out of months of extensive research, collaboration, and input, the GOAA board approved the vision during today’s board meeting.

“The Board is proud to support a forward-looking vision that balances growth, innovation, and service to our community,” said Stephanie Kopelousos, Chair of the GOAA Board. “This plan ensures that as Central Florida continues to evolve, Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport remain worldclass gateways that reflect the spirit, ambition, and hospitality for which our region is known.”

GOAA is determined to meet the goals of the new vision, with support from the recently revised $5.9 billion MCO Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and $84.2 million ORL Capital Improvement Program. These significant investments reflect GOAA’s ongoing commitment to expand capacity, modernize facilities, and elevate the passenger journey at every touchpoint.

The Aviation Authority will focus on strategically achieving various five-year and ten-year goals.

Some of these multi-year goals include:

Customer Experience

• Support all activities and projects necessary to attain a 5-star Skytrax rating, a global rating system that ranks airports on quality of service and other standards.
• By 2035, activate 60% of current vacant real estate assets at ORL while maximizing revenue.

Community

• Develop at least one new cargo processing facility and complete an FAA-approved on-airport AAM vertiport by 2030, designed to accommodate multiple commercial operators and support the future of air mobility.
• By 2030, increase non-aeronautical revenue by 30% compared to the revenue figures recorded for 2025.

Infrastructure

By 2030, several improvements are planned to:

• Increase available public parking by 8,000 spaces.
• Complete the construction of a new Baggage Handling System for Terminals A & B.
• Complete Airside 2 gate expansions.
• Incorporate additional passenger conveyance in Terminal C from Palm Court to Gate C230.
• By 2035, complete Terminal C, Phase 2, construction.

People

• By 2030, launch a fully operational Business Incubator at MCO to drive innovation and strategic growth, including increasing the number of small businesses working with MCO by 40%.
• By 2028, achieve a 20% increase over 2025 baseline employee engagement scores to attain an employee engagement score of 90% within 5 years.

Other vision initiatives range from restoring stormwater structures to a nomenclature project that will focus on renaming all terminals by numbering them Terminals 1, 2, and 3 to improve clarity and consistency.

GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle, center right, and VP of Construction Scott Shedek, center left, lead airport staff in celebrating the opening of the Pedestrian Bridge, an enhancement project at Terminal C.

ORLANDO, Fla. – A spacious and contemporary Pedestrian Bridge is now open to passenger traffic at Orlando International Airport (MCO), offering a new and convenient pathway between Terminal C, the Train Station, and the Terminal Link.

The long-awaited Pedestrian Bridge, with a set of bidirectional moving walkways, was in the original design for Terminal C but was removed as a cost-saving measure when the COVID-19 pandemic impacted construction projects at MCO and other airports.

The walkways, including ramps, are approximately 90 feet in length but will be extended once the entire project, including the Rental Car Lobby, opens in 2026. As part of this program, a third set of moving walkways will be installed in the existing GTF Bridge.

“The Pedestrian Bridge represents both progress and a promise,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which operates Orlando International and Orlando Executive airports. “By opening this new access, we are delivering greater convenience to our passengers and meeting their expectations of a world-class airport.”

The future extended walkways for the Pedestrian Bridge are only one part of the significant enhancements coming to Terminal C. The Phase 1 gate expansion is underway to increase capacity and streamline the travel process across the entire airport complex. Four new boarding piers will accommodate eight narrow-body equivalent aircraft positions for efficiency and flexibility. Additionally, airport staff is conducting several studies to determine the best locations for additional moving walkways.

Terminal C primarily serves international airlines. For 2024, MCO saw an increase in international travel with nearly 800,000 more passengers moving through its terminals compared to 2023.

GOAA Board Chair Stephanie Kopelousos and GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle share a moment before MCO Means Business 2025 kicks off.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) hosted its popular and business-friendly event “MCO Means Business” today, setting a record for the number of registrations as more small business owners look for opportunities at one of the nation’s Top 10 airports.

Small business owners and others attend a workshop on the Concessions program at Orlando International Airport.

The event also served as an opportunity for new GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle to introduce himself to the Central Florida business community. Lyttle sat down for a half-hour interview where he discussed his education, career, future projects at MCO, and his beliefs about the importance of an airport’s role in a community.

“Airports have a higher moral purpose. It’s not just about moving people, bags and cargo, it’s also about creating economic wealth and prosperity for the region,” he said.

Lyttle received a warm welcome from the sports community as well. UCF Hall of Famer Shaquem Griffin, Orlando Magic executive Esu Ma’at, and Orlando City Founder Kay Rawlins each presented him with a custom jersey from their respective sports organizations.

The annual event, which was held at the Hilton Orlando and sponsored by GOAA’s Office of Business Opportunity & Exchange, had approximately 2,300 registrations. Previous years peaked at 1,500. Designed to assist small business owners, both developing and experienced, the free daylong event featured speakers, such as Mitch Mitchem, founder and CEO of HIVE; breakout sessions; and company “speed dating.”

GOAA Chair Stephanie Kopelousos delivered remarks that touched on the impact small businesses have on the community at large.

“Every time a partnership is formed, jobs are created. Every time we invest in opportunity, we are building a more resilient and more prosperous Central Florida. Because when small businesses succeed, our entire community and region succeed,” said Kopelousos.

GOAA’s BOeX connects local, small businesses to resources and contract opportunities at GOAA by providing solutions to current and future airport businesses, contractors, and consultants.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board approved Fiscal Year 2026 budgets for Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL),setting the stage for a new era of growth and guest-focused enhancements at two of Central Florida’s most important aviation gateways.

$5.9 billion MCO Capital Improvement Plan will expand capacity, modernize facilities, and elevate the passenger experience

As the busiest airport in Florida, and one of the busiest in the United States, MCO continues to experience strong travel demand. ORL serves as the region’s premier general aviation facility and primary reliever airport for MCO.

The GOAA Board on Wednesday approved a FY 2026 Budget for Orlando International Airport totaling $979,494,000, reflecting a $38.2 million increase in budgeted revenues and an 8.4% increase in budgeted Operating and Maintenance (O&M) expenses compared to the previous year.

It is important to note the budget does not include any local tax dollars.

The Board also approved a FY 2026 budget for Orlando Executive Airport totaling $7,885,183, continuing the airport’s role in supporting business and general aviation, and relieving congestion from MCO.

GOAA Board Approves Revised Capital Improvement Plans

In addition to operating budgets, the Board also approved significant updates to both airports’Capital Improvement Programs (CIP). Capital Improvement Plans are multi-year plans outlining major capital projects linked to the Aviation Authority’s strategic goals.

MCO’s Fiscal Year 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program now totals $5.9 billion, a net increase of $484.9 million.

The revised CIP illustrates GOAA’s commitment to invest significantly in projects that will expand capacity, modernize airport facilities, and elevate the experience for everyone who comes through MCO. This includes:

• Expanding parking capacity
• Expanding baggage handling capacity
• New and upgraded gate areas
• Modernizing Terminal A and Terminal B
• Renovating and adding new restrooms, seating areas, retail shops, and restaurants
• Installation of state-of-the-art technology to improve the journey through MCO

“Impressions matter and we want every guest’s first and last impression when they arrive and depart to be ‘Wow’,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which manages Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). “Our strategy begins and ends with our guests and employees. We’re making it easier to move through our airports while creating spaces that are more welcoming, more efficient, and more enjoyable, from the parking lot to the gate, so every step of the journey feels seamless.”

Orlando Executive Airport’s revised Capital Improvement Program totals $84.2 million, supporting activity to provide the region with vital general aviation access.

About Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

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 nearly 58 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.

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, New Jersey – Aviation specialists with Orlando International Airport (MCO) recently completed an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) assessment with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) using Human-In-The-Loop modeling and simulation, further paving the way to the future of air travel. Human-in-the-loop (HITL) modeling uses human insight along with automation to improve the accuracy and reliability of systems.

The three-day simulation examined the potential impacts of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operating in and around MCO. Using notional routes and procedures, Orlando-based Air Traffic Control Specialists evaluated integration scenarios to shape future operations, leveraging a state-of-the-art simulated tower environment lab.

The simulation occurred at the National Airspace System Innovation and Emerging Concepts Lab located at the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.

This is a major milestone in the FAA’s work to integrate AAM aircraft into the National Airspace System (NAS), with MCO being the second airport in the country to participate.

“This assessment reflects our drive to help lead the next evolution of flight,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which manages Orlando International Airport. “We deeply value the collaborative partnership with the FAA, NASA, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) as we lay the groundwork to safely bring new airspace entrants into the National Airspace System and position Florida at the forefront of aviation’s future.”

In November, GOAA led a two-day tabletop exercise focused on advancing the integration of AAM operations at MCO. The event, supported by several FAA organizations, explored strategies to safely and effectively introduce this new mode of air travel into the national airspace.

As part of its long-term vision, the Aviation Authority has identified two potential sites for AAM facilities; the east airfield and an area near the train station.

GOAA has invested in preparing for AAM’s future growth, including conceptual plans for vertiports. With more than 11,000 acres, Orlando International offers the size and flexibility to be a proving ground for next-generation aviation technologies.

Through ongoing collaboration with federal, state, industry, and community partners, including the FAA, U.S. Department of Transportation, and FDOT, airport leaders are hoping to position MCO and Florida airports at the forefront of AAM adoption, creating opportunities that will benefit the state.

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 nearly 58 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.