Orlando airport invests $650M in major baggage handling upgrade

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Orlando airport invests $650M in major baggage handling upgrade

Policy

Kevin Thibeault, CEO | Orlando International Airport

By Sky Industry News

Feb 6, 2025

Florida's Orlando International Airport is investing over $650 million to enhance its baggage handling system as part of a larger Capital Improvement Plan. This initiative aims to improve efficiency in one of the busiest airports in the United States, which served 60 million passengers last year.

The airport will allocate $652 million for upgrading Terminals A and B's baggage infrastructure. The current system, installed after 9/11, is outdated according to Orlando International Airport CEO Kevin Thibeault. He stated, "The system that’s behind here was put in right after 9/11. So it’s over 20 years old and we’ve grown tremendously in those 20 years." He added that "the $650 million investment is really about making the process seamless."

Construction on this project is expected to begin this year with substantial completion by 2027. The new system promises to reduce luggage waiting times and enhance passenger convenience.

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In addition to improving baggage handling, the airport plans interior refurbishments for Terminals A & B, including new flooring, wall finishes, ceilings with lighting improvements, and upgraded restrooms.

Orlando Airport will collaborate with Express Service Providers (ESP) to meet operational needs temporarily. A new ESP provider will be selected by summer 2025 following a policy adopted by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority in September 2024.

Furthermore, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will upgrade screening equipment within baggage handling pods at MCO. Several pods are undergoing enhancements as part of shared responsibilities between TSA and the Aviation Authority.

Besides baggage upgrades, MCO is installing a $13.5 million Parking Guidance System expected to be operational by 2027 and planning a Consolidated Rental Car Facility aimed at reducing traffic congestion.

The airport continues expanding its destinations list with nonstop flights to more than 170 locations globally. In recent developments, JetBlue launched flights to Manchester–Boston Regional Airport (MHT), while Discover Airlines will start service to Munich on March 3rd. Air France plans resumption of flights to Paris Charles De Gaulle International Airport on May 21st.