By Jim Carchidi
Orlando International Airport (MCO) will begin a passenger connection overhaul from Terminals A and B to Gates 70-129. A Nov. 20 press event included information on the process, which starts Dec. 3 and will continue through the fall of 2027.
People moving
The process of upgrading connection systems to MCO Gates 70-129 will begin in December. The same Mitsubishi-brand people movers installed at Gates 1-59 in 2017 (pictured) will be used for the new project. Image courtesy of Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
According to MCO officials, the current passenger connection system has clocked about five million miles. The $253 million Gate Link Replacement Project will add new vehicles and upgraded power and control infrastructure to decrease travel time and increase efficiency. The process will be similar to the 2017 replacement of connectors to Gates 1-59, and the new people movers will be the same Mitsubishi brand systems. Lessons learned during the 2017 replacement are also expected to help streamline the new project.
Construction will happen in three shifts and continue 24-hours-a-day, six-days-a-week. The process of replacing the connection system to Gates 100–129 (Airside 2) will begin Dec. 3. Once complete, connectors to Gates 70–99 (Airside 4) will be replaced. The usual two-tram operation will be reduced to one for the duration of the project. According to Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Senior VP of Operations, Marquez Griffin, delays should be minimal.
"The system is built with a redundancy," he told The Orlando Real during the press event. "We can handle the current passenger capacity with one tram, but contingencies are in place if they are needed."
Driving solutions
The contingency is 10 new busses by Cobus Industries. The low-clearance shuttles are specifically made for passenger needs and will be available 24/7, but are only expected to be needed during overnight hours, after 11 p.m. and before 5 a.m. Peak travel times like the upcoming holiday season may also require the shuttle system.
MCO added 10 Cobus 3000 shuttles as a permanent investment. The busses feature a low clearance and wide isles designed for passenger comfort and room for baggage. Photos by Jim Carchidi
The shuttles are a permanent addition to airport operations and can accommodate the same number of passengers as the people mover systems. The travel time to and from airside locations is about 4 minutes, but passengers are advised to allow additional time to get to the outdoor drop off/pickup area in case shuttles are necessary. Travelers will also have assistance during the process with additional signage and 84 new "ambassadors" stationed along the entire route. The staff members will assist guests, answer questions, and help make the transition as smooth as possible.
Making a plan
Travelers are advised to follow the 3-2-1 rule:
- Be at the ticket counter 3 hours before departure.
- Be at the TSA security checkpoint 2 hours before departure.
- Be at the gate 1 hour before boarding.
Guests using rental cars or transportation services are advised to allow an additional 30 minutes to their pickup plan.
The big picture
The $253 million replacement is among an approximate $5.9 billion in projects approved by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) in October. The capital improvement plan will upgrade the MCO customer experience, community and business activities, and infrastructure with project completion dates ranging between five and 10 years.
The overall economic impact has yet to be determined but individual projects will be prioritized and integrated into the GOAA budget as costs are finalized.
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