Orlando, Fla. – Citing family health concerns, the Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Kevin J. Thibault tendered his resignation to the GOAA board effective January 31, 2025.

In his letter to GOAA Board Chairman Tim Weisheyer, Mr. Thibault said:

“Thank you and Immediate Past Chairman Mr. Carson Good for the support you’ve given me over the past two years. I wish you and all the GOAA team all the best.” Mr. Thibault also referred to how he enjoyed his role as CEO. “As a transportation professional, to serve as a state transportation secretary and now as the Chief Executive Officer of the 7th largest airport in the United States has truly been the epitome of a professional career well served. When you look back at what has been accomplished in the past two years, I am confident that this airport is positioned for continued greatness in the years to come.”

The announcement comes after two-plus years at the helm of the Aviation Authority, which has seen dramatic improvements and growth at both Orlando International (MCO) and Orlando Executive (ORL) airports. During this time, passenger traffic went from 50 million passengers to more than 58 million at MCO and cemented its position as the busiest airport in the state of Florida. It also ranks the 7th busiest in the United States and the 18th busiest in the world.

“Kevin has been an exceptional leader and a tireless advocate for our airport and our community,” said Tim Weisheyer, GOAA Board Chairman. “His tenure has been defined by a tireless dedication to excellence and will leave an indelible mark on the Aviation Authority. The Board fully respects his decision to put family first, but we will miss his vision and commitment that enhanced our reputation as a world-class global gateway.”

Prior to joining the Aviation Authority, Mr. Thibault served as Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), where he was responsible for coordinating the planning and development of a safe, viable, and balanced transportation system, including multimodal facilities. Throughout his 19 years with FDOT, Mr. Thibault consistently focused on the importance of partnerships to deliver the transportation needs of the state.

The crowning accomplishments of his GOAA tenure were the successful openings of the $2.8 billion Terminal C, which stands adjacent to the Brightline train station, along with the development and implementation of a new Strategic Plan, renewing the mission, vision and values of the Aviation Authority as well as identifying new strategic priorities aligned with four pillars: People, Connection, Community and Innovation.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving more than 57 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from down Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.

Orlando, Fla. – The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a special art exhibit and other cultural events that will be happening throughout the airport.

Kicking off the celebration, Gallery MCO will feature a distinguished collection of artworks from the Central Florida community that highlight the richness and diversity of the Hispanic culture. The exhibit, which runs through the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, features more than 20 pieces by Hispanic artists from various countries, including Peru, Venezuela, and Cuba.

This showcase is presented in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County with support from Duke Energy as part of their "Pioneers of Change" initiative.

In addition to the art exhibit, GOAA will host several events including musical performances by the Don Soledad Trio on September 13 and Mariachi Oro Internacional on September 20. Travelers can enjoy a Dominoes game area on September 27, and GOAA employees will take part in their own celebrations with a karaoke event on October 4.

A special feature on our Hispanic employees will be revealed on the Aviation Authority’s social media channels on Oct. 11, showcasing unique perspectives and stories.

GOAA is excited to bring this celebration of Hispanic culture to travelers and staff, reinforcing its commitment to honoring the diverse backgrounds that make up the vibrant Orlando community.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving more than 57 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from down Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.

ORLANDO, Fla. – After a full year as a pilot program, the Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program at Orlando International Airport, which allows guests to explore, shop, and dine post-security at Terminal C, without a boarding pass, has now become a permanent addition to the airport. This means that residents and guests of the Orlando area can now count on the unique dining, retail and digital media experiences of Terminal C to be available to non-travelers for the foreseeable future, provided they are approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and adhere to the rules and regulations of the program. Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program (youtube.com)

During the year-long pilot program, over 6,000 reservations to visit Terminal C were made. Most survey respondents cited “to explore Terminal C” as the primary purpose of their visit, with “to shop or dine” coming in second. Other users of the program used Experience MCO to meet or wave farewell to a loved one. The program is also popular with the planespotting community.

“Experience MCO gives our guests the opportunity to enjoy Terminal C on their own time,” said Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) CEO Kevin J. Thibault. “Thanks to the cooperation with our TSA partners, the program is a success. We look forward to more reservations in the future whether it’s to explore the interactive Moment Vault or dine at one of the popular restaurant concepts.”

Applying for the Experience MCO Visitor Pass:

ORLANDO, Fla. – Labor Day weekend traditionally represents the summer’s last chance to get away, and once again that travel philosophy will make Orlando International Airport (MCO) a bustling place.

Passenger traffic over the six-day travel period, from August 29 through September 3, 2024, is expected to increase by 1.4% over the same period in 2023. In total, nearly 900,000 travelers will pass through MCO, with Monday, September 2, anticipated as the busiest day with a combined 164,231 passengers.

"We're excited for the opportunity to once again demonstrate Connection, one of the priorities in our Strategic Plan,” said Kevin J. Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. "During this busy season, travelers will benefit from our air service to more than 160 destinations, bringing connectivity across the U.S. and to the world.”

ORLANDO, Fla. — Financial issues were the focal point of today’s Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) board meeting. The Board was presented with preliminary 2024‐2025 Fiscal Year budgets of $941,278,000 for Orlando International Airport (MCO) and $10,692,381 for Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). In the Aviation Authority’s continuing effort to align the budget with the goals of the Strategic Plan, along with providing an exceptional travel experience for airport customers, the proposed budget for MCO includes a 10.3% increase in Operating and Maintenance (O&M) expenses over the prior year budget. Significant drivers of this increase include:

• Additional staffing
• New innovation projects
• Ground transportation services
• Maintenance costs

MCO’s proposed revenue for FY2025 represents an increase of approximately $109.7 million, as compared to the budget for FY2024. The factors responsible include increases in:

• Landing Fees
• Terminal Premises Rentals
• Concessions
• Commercial rental rates
• Hotel occupancy, average room rate, and ancillary services
• Parking and Ground Transportation
• Rental car fees

Orlando Executive Airport’s total revenues for FY 2025 are derived from a variety of sources, including aviation-related fees, commercial properties and contributions from the ORL revenue fund.

The budget process will continue with the Orlando City Council conducting a public hearing within ten days of receipt of this preliminary budget.

BUILDING A RENTAL CAR SYSTEM FOR THE FUTURE

The Board also approved a request to increase the Customer Facility Charge (CFC) paid by rental car users. The adjustment will raise the CFC from $6.00 to $9.00 per day, with a maximum collection period of 7 days.

In light of the significant growth in traffic and as part of the evaluation of improved and expanded facilities for rental car operations and enhancements to the rental car customer experience, GOAA is pursuing the design and construction of a consolidated rental car facility (ConRAC). A ConRAC would centralize rental car operations from all terminals into its own dedicated facility. This consolidation would free up significant space in the passenger parking garages currently occupied by the rental car companies. The ConRAC is expected to be funded primarily by CFCs.

The effective date of the increase will be November 1, 2024, in order to give companies time to inform their customers.

Airports Council International North America releases 2023 Traffic Summary