Orlando International is sited on the former McCoy Air Force Base, hence its airport code of MCO, and opened the first $300 million phase terminal complex on October 2nd 1981. Prior to construction of the complex, whilst the airport was still a shared facility with the airforce, MCO welcomed around 5 million travellers annually. In 1981 the airport served 6,072,145 passengers. But, in a demonstration of the long term vision of the planners, the terminal opened with 48 gates and facilities to handle 12 million passengers. Enough land had been purchased, 14,000 acres, to make the airport the third largest airport in the nation (behind Denver and Dallas Fort-Worth) and to allow further expansion to handle 40 million passengers. Current figures show 35,574,947 passengers through 96 gates. MCO has the second tallest control tower in the US and has been a designated emergency landing site for the now defunct space shuttles.
Part of the long term vision was to create an airport that truly represented Florida, rather than just any airport anywhere. We have all noticed the wonderful lakes, swamps, forests, palm trees and ‘Florida’ feel of the airport – this was created rather than accidental. Likewise, managers encouraged the theme park operators to come into the airport and offer both a presence and merchandise – this way passengers coming from the cold north in the middle of winter instantly know that they have arrived in Florida and can start their vacation. The developers have even taken inspiration from the theme parks for the design of the terminals, using curves instead of corners, high ceilings, fountains and palm trees – all contributing to a more spacious relaxed feel. Contrast your experience in these terminals to change-over’s in Newark/Boston or Chicago and you will know the difference. Many other airports are now looking to Orlando for inspiration and attempting themes of their own.
The terminal design of a central landside terminal connected by rail to several airside gates was first tried at Tampa and with the use of the monorail is evocative of WDW. The airport is recognised as one of the most efficient and passenger friendly airports in the US and always seems to rank in the top five airport convenience surveys conducted by J D Power and Associates, but one downside has always been international travel. The first International terminal was added in 1984, but it has always seemed a bit of a mishmash, with passengers having to either re-check their luggage after customs to get from airside to landside, or to tote it along on the monorail. With all the ‘wheeled’ luggage options available now this doesn’t seem like such a hardship any more.

Inside Orlando International
Orlando International has also taken the lead in implementing many industry firsts. MCO was the first airport in the nation to initiate the CLEAR Program, an expedited security screening for trusted travellers; companies like Guess, Oakley and Build-A-Bear Workshop opened their first airport locations at Orlando International Airport; and in 1982, MCO hosted the world’s only simultaneous landing of two supersonic Concorde jets.