By Roger Jimenez
Just a few weeks ago, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) formed a significant partnership with one of their longtime airline partners, United Airlines, establishing a long-term lease agreement for the making of a brand new Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) campus at Orlando International Airport (MCO). The partnership is a testament to the city’s dedication to fostering innovation across industries and positions MCO as a leading force in aviation, making room for an exciting future for Orlando’s infrastructure.
Credit: Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
The New Partnership
United Airlines and MCO’s new partnership is affirming Orlando's growing importance in the aviation industry, allowing the Orlando International Airport to better serve its status as a global connector with more than 57 million annual passengers. By upgrading and modernizing its maintenance infrastructure, United is reinforcing its commitment to Central Florida, where it is currently the seventh-largest airline carrier, serving over 4.3 million passengers in 2023. Through these updates, GOAA and United not only aim to drive economic growth but also to expand service offerings, making MCO a stronger presence in national and international aviation.
“It is important for one of the nation’s busiest airports and most established legacy carriers to forge a lasting collaboration.”
- GOAAA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Thibault, according to West Orlando News.
Upcoming Plans for Orlando International Airport
Valued at an estimated $300 million, the ambitious project is part of the airport’s broader plans for aeronautical growth and economic development.
The MRO campus will feature a 354,400-square-foot maintenance hangar capable of accommodating six narrow-body aircraft or one wide-body and three narrow-body aircraft concurrently, a significant expansion in United’s maintenance capabilities. The development will include a new warehouse, shops, administrative offices, and ample parking for employees.
Credit: Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
The lease spans an initial two-year construction phase, followed by a 30-year operational term with a 10-year extension option. During construction, United will contribute $6.7 million in rent, with anticipated lease revenues of approximately $141.35 million over the 30-year term and an additional $88.12 million if the option is utilized, according to the Business Journal.
The scope of the project also includes the renovation of one existing hangar and the demolition of another, creating opportunities for additional airport projects. Currently, United’s maintenance facilities at MCO support over 1,000 local employees, with the new campus set to increase operational efficiency and add long-term value to both the airport and the region.
Overall
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and United Airlines have formed a landmark partnership, highlighted by a new lease agreement for a $300 million Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) campus at Orlando International Airport (MCO). The facility will include a large maintenance hangar, warehouses, shops, and office spaces, supporting United’s extensive aircraft maintenance operations in Central Florida. With a post-construction lease term of 30 years and an optional 10-year extension, this partnership solidifies United’s presence in Orlando and aligns with the city’s commitment to innovation and economic growth in the region.
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