Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board approves $445.9 million budget for 2013

The Board of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority approved a nearly $446 million budget for operation of Orlando International Airport (MCO) and a $3 million budget for Orlando Executive Airport. The newly approved budget for MCO represents a 2.3 percent increase over 2012.

“Firstly, this budget incorporates our strategic goals of improving customer service, fostering economic development and operating world-class facilities in a fiscally responsible manner. Secondly, it targets a very competitive airline cost per passenger fee of $5.35 and thirdly, it continues our fiscal strategy of generating 70 percent of our revenues from non-airline sources,” says Phil Brown, Executive Director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

Comprising that 70 percent of the budget, MCO secures revenue from concessions, rental cars, hotel, parking services and ground transportation.

Cost centers considered in establishing the budget included: Airfield, terminal, other buildings and grounds, hotel, ground transportation and Orlando Executive Airport. Airfield capital improvement projects include security upgrades and runway 18R-36L rehabilitation. Terminal projects include refurbishment of the moving walkways in the Main Terminal, ramp level security additions and east security screening checkpoint skylight refurbishment.

The new budget takes effect on October 1, 2012 and ends September 30, 2013.

CLEAN ENERGY COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS FUELING STATION COMING TO ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

A land lease agreement with Clean Energy, CA Corporation was approved by the Board. This company will design, construct and operate a state-of-the-art, 2000 square foot compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station which will serve CNG operated taxis, shared ride vans and transit buses. The agreement initializes a 20-year lease with two 5-year options. Clean Energy currently operates similar facilities at Los Angeles International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. It is anticipated that the new facility will be open for business by the third quarter of 2013 on Cargo Road.

BOARD APPROVES CONTINUED UPGRADE TO EXISTING BAGGAGE CLAIM AREAS FOR THE TRAVELING PUBLIC

Travelers retrieving luggage from the second level baggage claim at Orlando International Airport will have a smoother process in the future. Continuing with a baggage carousel enhancement program that started in 2009, the Board approved a third phase of the project, at a cost of nearly 5 million dollars. The project will modernize up to nine additional flat plate bag claim units adding to the 17 already completed during the first two phases. Once completed, travelers will notice a more efficient, streamlined carousel system bringing baggage to the public for pick-up. This also enhances security and makes it easier and quicker for travelers to identify and retrieve their luggage. The project is expected to take up to a year to complete. Orlando International Airport on average processes about 40,000 bags a day making it one of the busiest baggage processing airports in the country.

Orlando International Airport has more domestic non-stop service than any other airport in the state and starting October 11th Alaska Airlines will begin Florida’s only non-stop service to San Diego, California five days a week. This is Orlando International’s largest un-served market in the country. Also, beginning October 29th, TAM Airlines starts daily, non-stop service to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – MCO’s largest un-served international market.