Orlando International Airport sets a new record

orlando-airport-codeOrlando International Airport ends 2012 – 2013 fiscal year with a record number of international travelers. International traffic increased to 3.9 million travelers, 5.2 percent more than last year. At the same time domestic traffic is down by 2 percent to 23.4 million passengers. “As we continue to set new international travel records year after year, it is imperative that the Authority plans for more international growth by enhancing our infrastructure and maximizing our customer service efforts,” says Frank Kruppenbacher, Chairman of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. The airport authorities approved $1.1 billion expansion plan in October. The project includes four additional international gates, an automated people mover, improvements to the ticket hall and baggage screening areas, and a rail terminal to support All Aboard Florida, a train service between Orlando and Miami that is being backed by private investors. Traffic to MCO comes from the new air services from several airlines this year. GOL Airlines increased service from five to seven days per week to Sao Paulo, Brazil and Southwest Airlines increased service to Minneapolis to seven days per week. Also notable in September, Delta Air Lines celebrated 43 years of service at MCO, Frontier Airlines celebrated 14 years and SunWing 7 years of operations at Orlando International Airport. JetBlue and Spirit Airline added new flights to the airport. Spirit will fly daily from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and JetBlue – from Worcester, Mass. The latest addition is from two days ago. Air Canada rouge will officially began service at Orlando International Airport. Eventually, the airline will provide service from Toronto to Orlando with six flights per day, seven days a week, according to a news release. Air Canada rouge is a component of Air Canada Leisure Group and the A-319 aircraft seats 136 passengers.