The Orlando International Airport (MCO) Terminal C design evokes a campus vision by focusing on a unifying theme. The design includes a concept called “The Boulevard,” which creates a gateway to Orlando and captures the essence of Central Florida. The facility is designed to be intuitive so the passenger is drawn from one element to the next by creating an exciting and memorable travel experience. As one of the busiest airports in the world, Orlando International is the premier global gateway to the most-visited destination in the nation. Terminal C enables MCO to continue serving the needs of the diverse Central Florida community and meeting the demands of projected passenger growth.
By enabling MCO to accommodate an additional 10-12 million annual passengers, the new facility will increase overall airport capacity to nearly 60 million passengers a year.
Here are five features of the new terminal:
1) Flexible Gates
Domestic and international flight operations can be accommodated at every gate. Seven MARS (Multiple Aircraft Ramp System) gates offer the adaptability to provide single or dual boarding bridge access for one jumbo aircraft or single boarding bridge access for two narrow body aircraft.
2) Individual Carrier Baggage Handling System
Dedicated totes with radio frequency identification chips are paired with individual bags to provide real-time tracking information along the entire route. In addition to streamlining the delivery process, the tote system reduces bottlenecks and nearly eliminates jams. It also offers ease of future expansion and lower life-cycle cost. In addition the system incorporates a robotic early storage facility with an 1,800-bag capacity.
3) Dynamic Concessions
With an eclectic mix of national and local brands, Terminal C features 24 food & beverage outlets, 11 retail stores and one lounge for a total of more than 80,000 square feet of concession space. To maximize customer options once they make their way to the gate area, 93% of the concessions are located post-security.
4) Experiential Media Environment (EME)
Large-scale immersive and interactive multimedia features are architecturally integrated and feature original content displayed in ultrahigh resolution. The cinematic storytelling celebrates distinctly Central Florida experiences, such as a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, cattle herding on the Deseret Ranch and swimming with manatees in Crystal River. The displays are featured in the gate area hub and airside North Concourse, with the third feature in the public entrance area planned for the future
5) Sustainability Initiatives
Terminal C has been designed as one of the first LEED v4 airport campuses in the world; “Forever Trees” are constructed from preserved materials from actual palm and cypress trees; limited ingress & egress points enhance internal climate control efforts; floating solar array tests the viability of solar power generation.
From design to completion, Terminal C has been a story of collective energy directed toward transforming the customer experience. Orlando International Airport has always taken great pride in being recognized as an industry leader and a passenger favorite. Terminal C reinforces both those reputations. By devoting the appropriate resources to development, MCO will optimize its ability to set the standard for travel excellence by delivering The Orlando Experience.
