Press

ORLANDO, FL. – The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) is looking to the future as it begins the process of developing an updated Strategic Plan for the next decade. At today’s GOAA Board meeting, Chief Executive Officer Kevin Thibault presented the plan’s scope, areas of concentration and a timeline for the multi-phased project. The Authority’s current Strategic Plan was completed in 2013 and has served as the building block of its updated Master Plan as well as updating its Airport Layout Plan (ALP).

“Considering the accomplishments achieved by this Authority and the community over the past 10 years, it is time to not only review what has been done, but to pivot to what we need to be in the future,” said Carson Good, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Chairman. “Not only does this plan serve as the blueprint for this Authority going forward, it serves as a framework for other activities.”

The outline of the 2023 Strategic Plan focuses on several factors that will determine how the Authority evolves to meet its new challenges. From industry issues like staffing shortages to advances in technology to regulatory demands to the influence of social media, GOAA is striving to develop a vision for the future with the goal of making it a reality.

“Like many other large hub airports, we have seen the results of significant national and regional events impact our operations both positively and negatively,” Thibault said. “Moving forward we need to frame our strategic vision so that we minimize the negatives and capitalize on the positives.”

Updating the Strategic Plan will involve three phases of development, along with the collaboration of Aviation Authority personnel, airport partners and community stakeholders. The outline, as presented to the Board, calls for not only the development of a new Strategic Plan, but the implementation of a tracking framework, with performance metrics that can be used at the organizational level and employee level as well.

The Board also approved compensation adjustments and a revised salary structure for GOAA’s Non-Bargaining Employees. The five percent increase also will raise those employees at the minimum hourly rate of $15.00 to $16.02 effective August 7, 2022. The updated salary structure is based on market conditions and recognizes that competitive compensation is necessary in the recruitment and retention of employees.

Compensation for bargaining unit employees will be addressed in accordance with the collective bargaining process. Once completed, the Board will consider that matter at a later date.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is managed by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. MCO ranks 7th in the nation and is the busiest airport in Florida serving 40 million passengers annually. The airport’s Capital Improvement Program includes an innovative 15-gate Terminal C opening in September. Featuring innovative technology and a unique top level customer arrival experience, the new facility will accommodate an additional 10-12 million annual passengers and connect to an intercity rail to other Florida destinations in the future.