The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority board has updated funding for major projects at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
With annual passenger traffic expected to reach 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 programme.
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 programme; indicate a preferred concept of operations and facility layout; refine the programme’s cost; and provide planning guidance to consultants, who will prepare the detailed design of the programme.
The PDD and its cost estimates would then 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.
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 minimise 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.
Airfield improvements
With both Orlando International and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) busy, the Aviation Authority awarded a pair of contracts to improve airfield surfaces and refresh signage and pavement markings.
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, with completion expected 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 take place between November 2023 and April 2024.
Image: Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
