With a focus on maintaining an optimal customer experience into the near future, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board updated funding for major projects at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
With passenger traffic projected to soon approach 58 million by year’s end, the aviation authority is laying the groundwork for increasing the capacity of Terminal C. The board approved a contract addendum with Ricondo & Associates to begin defining a Phase 2 development program.
The Phase 2 Program will expand Terminal C to accommodate an additional 16 to 24 aircraft gates. Ricondo will develop a Program Definition Document (PDD) that will provide the requirements for the program; indicate a preferred concept of operations and facility layout; refine the program’s cost; and provide planning guidance to consultants, who will prepare the detailed design of the program.
The PDD and its cost estimates would be used to recommend funding budgets for capital expenditures that are required to support the aviation authority’s decision-making processes and mission.
APM CONTRACT AWARDED
The board also approved funding to replace the Automated People Mover (APM) systems to Airsides 2 & 4.The Design/Build/Operate/Maintain contract was awarded to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc.
The contract will include replacement of all vehicles, running surfaces, central control equipment, all other required subsystems and all modifications, if any, required to existing APM stations. Mitsubishi will also maintain passenger service to Airsides 2 and 4 during the work and minimize the time that any one of the two APM lanes to each Airside is out of service during construction. Project completion is targeted for Spring 2027.
The Airside 4 APM System was first placed into service in 1990 and the cars were replaced with new cars in 2008. The Airside 2 APM was first placed into service in 2000.
The APM systems serve as vital passenger connections linking the North Terminal to the aircraft gate areas. The APMs are an essential component to MCO’s ability to facilitate the smooth flow of both arriving and departing traffic. Moreover, these systems are of upmost importance in accommodating the airport’s expanding customer base, benefiting all Central Florida stakeholders.
AIRFIELD IMPROVEMENTS
With robust activity at both Orlando International and Orlando Executive Airports (ORL), the aviation authority awarded a pair of contracts to improve airfield surfaces and refresh signage and pavement markings. Attention to airfield connectivity and visibility are essential to maintaining optimal safety for aircraft and passengers.
At MCO, the Hubbard Construction Company will rehabilitate a portion of Taxiways G and H and the connectors north of Taxiway E. Construction work will include resealing the joints and replacing isolated cracked slabs for the concrete pavement; rehabilitate the asphalt shoulders, and improve pavement geometry, taxiway markings, lighting and signage. The construction is scheduled to start in November 2023 and with completion estimated in August 2024.
Airfield work at ORL will be handled by the Middlesex Corporation. The project will consist of the rehabilitation of taxiways A, B and B1; demolition of portions of Taxiways E4 and E5; and construction of new Taxiway E5 between Runway 13-31 and its parallel Taxiway E, at ORL. The construction work will include new asphalt pavement, mill and overlay existing asphalt pavement, and new and associated improvements for taxiway markings, lighting and signage.
The construction is scheduled to start in November 2023 and complete in April 2024.
