Press

EVENT GARNERS SUPPORT, APPLAUSE FOR NEW TERMINAL C OPENING

ORLANDO, FL. – The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority marked the opening of Terminal C, an innovative new terminal geared toward high-tech conveniences for passengers, with a celebration today that echoed the project’s vision to reality story.

GOAA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Thibault welcomed local community leaders and airport partners to the event, which acknowledged the work of former board chairs and airport executives who first envisioned what would later become Terminal C.

“Operations at Terminal C began on September 20, 2022, almost 40 years from the opening of the main terminal in 1981,” Thibault said. “We celebrate Terminal C’s opening at a time when our passenger volume is returning to pre-pandemic levels. Terminal C will help to offset heavy volume in our Main Terminal and help to sustain our growth. It is the foundation for an intermodal hub that will welcome planes, trains and automobiles.”

Among the speakers at the event were Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, and former Orange County Mayor and GOAA Board Chair Linda Chapin. GOAA Chairman Carson Good moderated.

Jared W. Perdue, P.E., Florida Department of Transportation Secretary, spoke about the change that Terminal C will make on transportation choices across the state.

“Terminal C is a smart, forward-thinking investment for the Orlando International Airport to benefit the millions of Floridians and tourists who travel in and out of the state each year,” Perdue said. “The integrated rail-air-ground transportation hub is an example of the innovative advancements we’re making in Florida’s communities and transportation infrastructure to expand mobility, reinforce a robust supply chain, and enhance economic growth.”

Terminal C is home to 11 airline carriers, including domestic anchor JetBlue. Dave Clark, head of Planning and Revenue for JetBlue, was a featured speaker. The afternoon event drew congratulations and support from state leaders and the international aviation community. It also featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony with uniformed attendants representing eight different airline carriers that are based at Terminal C: Aer Lingus, Azul, British Airways, Caribbean Airlines, Emirates, JetBlue, Lufthansa and Sunwing Airlines.

Airline partners have lauded the opening of the terminal, which brings global connectivity. Here’s what they’re saying:

Aer Lingus, Bill Byrne, Executive Vice President, US: “Aer Lingus has been a long-standing partner flying year-round nonstop flights to Orlando International Airport from Dublin, and more recently nonstop from Manchester, UK, since the launch of Aer Lingus UK in 2021. We are excited about the upgraded facilities of Terminal C at Orlando International Airport, providing our passengers with an elevated customer experience.’’

British Airways, Ian Blackman, VP East USA, Latin America, and the Caribbean: “At British Airways, we are delighted that our customers can now enjoy the brand new, state-of-the-art Terminal C at Orlando International Airport. Whether they’re a family on their Sunshine State vacation or business and leisure travelers going to London, our customers can look forward to the smoothest possible journey, thanks to our quintessentially British onboard experience coupled with the cutting-edge innovation and spectacular design of this wonderful new terminal.”

Caribbean Airlines, Nirmala Ramai, Chief Operations Officer: “Caribbean Airlines is pleased to be a part of the Orlando International Airport expansion. Terminal C is a world-class facility with an array of amenities employing cutting-edge technology and automation to enhance the customer experience. We look forward to welcoming our passengers to enjoy the comfort and convenience of Terminal C.”

Emirates, Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Divisional Vice President, USA and Canada: Emirates congratulates Orlando International Airport on the opening of its new state-of-the-art concourse. Terminal C is a great addition to the airport and has enabled an enhanced experience for passengers traveling into or out of Orlando or connecting to other destinations.

We have been operating to Orlando since 2015, and we’re extremely delighted to have moved our operations to Terminal C. The move has allowed our customers to enjoy the conveniences afforded by the latest technologies, modern facility and new amenities. The innovations enable Emirates passengers to breeze through the airport and complete all arrival and departure formalities in less time, while also enjoying seamless connectivity to ground transportation.

We are delighted with the new level of convenience that our customers now experience in Orlando International Airport.”

GOL Linhas Aereas, Celso Ferrer, CEO: “Being part of this new chapter of Orlando International Airport is a source of great pride for GOL. The city is a symbol of the resumption of our international routes and, since May of this year, we have given thousands of travelers the opportunity to take the longest flight with a Boeing 737 MAX in the world, departing from Brasília (BSB). More than that, offering our customers a better experience on arrival and departure to Orlando, with a world-class passenger terminal, like this one, is something that will make this destination even more attractive.”

Icelandair, Bogi Nils Bogason, Chief Executive Officer: “We are proud to call the newly upgraded Terminal C our home at Orlando International Airport. The new terminal gives our passengers a fresh, convenient welcome when traveling to and from Orlando and we are glad to welcome Orlando aboard.”

JetBlue, Joanna Geraghty, President and Chief Operating Officer: “We are excited to lead the way as the flagship carrier at Orlando International Airport’s new Terminal C. The terminal’s offerings are great, and the bright, airy architecture makes it stand out. This move not only shows our commitment to Orlando and the greater area, but it also will provide a new and elevated experience for our customers as we continue our growth in the region.”

Lufthansa, Silke Wobken, Senior Director Sales, USA East: “We’re certainly excited to move our operations to the new terminal at MCO. Orlando has always been an important market for Lufthansa Group, as it attracts both our leisure and business travelers. Furthermore, this year marks the 15th anniversary of Lufthansa service to Orlando. Being situated in the new terminal is a superb way to celebrate our important milestone.”

Terminal C received its first flight on September 20 and to date has welcomed nearly 1 million passengers. The facility is a critical element of airport development and Central Florida’s economic growth. It will enable the airport to accommodate an additional 10 to 12 million annual passengers, which will increase overall airport capacity to nearly 60 million passengers a year.

_{About GOAA: The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority provides operational oversight of the Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). Orlando International Airport is the busiest airport in Florida serving 40 million passengers annually. Orlando Executive Airport is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides general aviation needs to the Central Florida region.}