Oct 21, 2026

The Orlando Experience is Evolving

GOAA Marks Progress in FY 2026; Sets New Policies for Small Businesses

For a look at GOAA’s FY2026 projects, please visit our YouTube Channel.

ORLANDO, Fla. – More comfortable connections. New international destinations. Welcoming spaces for families. And investments that strengthen airport operations to create opportunities for Central Florida.

That was the fiscal year that marked progress at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), turning vision into action and building momentum for an even more ambitious future at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL).

During today’s Board meeting, GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle presented a video that showcased some of the fiscal year’s major projects and improvements.

“We are undertaking an ambitious effort to redefine what it means to deliver a world-class airport experience,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of the GOAA. “As we welcome more visitors, more airlines, more routes, and new programs, our responsibility is to elevate every part of the journey - making it more welcoming, intuitive, and connected.”

Some highlights from GOAA’s successful FY2026 include:

  • The opening of the enclosed pedestrian bridge, with moving walkways, between the Train Station and Terminal C. The bridge created a more convenient connection for travelers.

  • Terminal C welcoming a new wing serving Gates 250-254, becoming the new home for Virgin Atlantic, expanding capacity, and providing greater flexibility for airline operations.

  • Three new Family Zones, one in each terminal, that introduced inviting places for families to play, read, and recharge.

  • Enhanced wayfinding along airport roadways, in parking areas, and throughout the terminals to help guests navigate with greater confidence.

  • Parking improvements, including the installation of a Parking Guidance System in Terminal C with phased activation planned between now and mid-2027 for all garages. MCO also developed dedicated employee parking areas to make more spaces available for customers, while also kickstarting the planning process for two new parking garages that will provide an additional 8,000 public parking spaces in the next few years.

  • A $40 million Beautiful Airports Program to accelerate improvements across parking garages, terminals, and other campus areas, with attention to safety, functionality, and appearance. The effort reflects a principle central to GOAA’s vision: small details help shape the entire airport experience.

  • Investments across cargo, corporate, and general aviation to expand the region’s aviation capabilities. Developments include a $50 million investment by dnata, a $26 million redevelopment by Lake Nona-based Signature Aviation at MCO, and a groundbreaking for Sky Harbour’s $40 million campus at ORL.

  • ZIPAIR introducing the first passenger charter service between Florida and the Asia-Pacific region, offering nonstop flights between Orlando and Tokyo, Japan. Iberia launched nonstop service to Madrid, Spain, creating another direct connection between Central Florida and Europe.

In other items, the GOAA Board adopted new policy changes for its Local Developing Business (LDB) program and announced a new Small Business program.

Following months of research, town halls, and conversations with in-house experts, the LDB policy:

  • Adjusts the personal net worth (PNW) threshold and clarifies excluded assets. The updated criteria will increase the allowable PNW limit for qualifying individuals and refines exclusions for primary residence equity, business equity, retirement, and other non-liquid instruments.

  • Revises business size standards to reflect current economic conditions, including inflation and Increased operating costs.

The new small business program will:

  • Complement the LDB program and encompassing small businesses within the State of Florida.

  • Ensure that qualified owners hold a business size within 50% of the applicable U.S. Small Business Administration’s federal size standards.

The new guidelines for both programs should be on the GOAA website soon.

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.