Oct 26, 2026

MCO Earns Two Top Industry Honors

Orlando International Airport (MCO) employees accept a pair of awards at the 2026 ACINA annual Marketing-Communications-Customer Experience (MARCOM) Conference in Seattle, Washington. Pictured, left to right: Veronica Cintron Chair, MARCOM Committee, Erika Van Acker Marketing Coordinator, MCO; Rick Mennie Manager of CX Hub, MCO; Tawana Allen, Chief Customer Experience Office, MCO; Greg Angel, Senior Manager of Public Affairs, MCO; and, Matthew Cornelius Executive VP ACI-NA.

ORLANDO, Fla. – From empowering bold ideas that elevate the passenger experience to extending a helping hand to aviation colleagues in times of uncertainty, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is proving that the heart of a world-class airport is its people.

That commitment to innovation, compassion, and community earned MCO two prestigious industry honors at the 2026 Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) Excellence in Airport Marketing, Communications, and Customer Experience Awards, presented this week in Seattle, Washington.

MCO was named the winner in the CX Through People and Partnering with Carriers categories, recognizing two initiatives that demonstrate how the power of people and partnership can make a meaningful difference, both inside and beyond the airport.

“World-class service begins with world-class people, and these awards are a testament to the talent, dedication, and compassion of our employees,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which operates MCO. “Whether inspiring innovative ideas that elevate the passenger experience or extending a helping hand to our aviation colleagues in times of uncertainty, I am incredibly proud of our team for touching the lives of their colleagues every day.”

The CX Through People award was garnered for the innovative Dolphin Tank program, an employee-driven initiative designed to harness the creativity, expertise, and firsthand experiences of the people who know the airport best.

Through Dolphin Tank, employees have the opportunity to pitch their brightest ideas for enhancing the passenger experience, improving airport processes, and creating a better workplace for their colleagues. By giving employees a platform to turn ideas into opportunities, the program fosters a culture of innovation.

In the Partnering with Carriers category, MCO was recognized for its extraordinary response to support Orlando-based Spirit Airlines employees following the airline’s sudden cessation of operations on May 2, 2026.

MCO mobilized airport and community partners to help affected employees navigate their next chapter by organizing a dedicated career-transition event, connecting displaced Spirit employees with prospective employers, workforce organizations, professional guidance, interviews, and employment opportunities.

To honor their memories, and years of service that had defined Spirit’s presence in Orlando, MCO organized a private farewell gathering within 48 hours to give former pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, and other staff an opportunity to reunite and witness the departure of the last Spirit-owned aircraft from MCO.

Together, these efforts transformed a challenging chapter in Orlando’s aviation history into a meaningful demonstration of community partnership, compassion, and appreciation for the people who keep the aviation industry moving.

In addition to its two winning entries, MCO was recognized as a finalist in two other categories:

  • Best in Airport Partnerships Award: Recognizing MCO’s collaborative efforts surrounding World Art Day, highlighting the power of art and community partnerships to enrich the airport experience through social media.

  • Customer Experience Technology Innovation: Recognizing the development of MCO’s innovative Digital Twin to support airport operations and enhance customer experience.

The four honors underscore GOAA’s continued commitment to innovation, collaboration, and investing in people to shape the future of Orlando International Airport.

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.

For more information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority at 407-825-2055 or email us at MCOPIO@goaa.org for further assistance.