Orlando International Airport - Rising to New Heights BF112

ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, ONE OF THE BUSIEST AIRPORTS IN THE UNITED STATES, IS CONTINUING ITS MAJOR EXPANSION PROJECT, TO BEST ACCOMMODATE INCREASING PASSENGER NUMBERS.

RISING TO NEW HEIGHTS

PROJECT MANAGED BY: RASH UDDIN

Orlando International Airport (MCO), the gateway to Central Florida with its theme parks including the Walt Disney World Resort, spectacular beaches and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, has not only returned to pre-pandemic traffic levels but is experiencing a surge in passenger numbers that is expected to further increase.

Congratulations Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

Congratulations to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority on your success over the years! What an amazing journey from the humble beginnings of a converted Air Force Base in the late 1960s to the Award Winning International Airport today.

We are honored to have been part of this journey in going beyond The Orlando Experience®

We wish Kevin Thibault, the GOAA Board and GOAA staff even more success in 2023 and beyond!

AIRPORTS COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL

• Green Airport Award

AIR TRANSPORT ACTION GROUP

• Sustainable Airports Award for its leadership in sustainable aviation

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF AIRPORT EXECUTIVES

• Environmental Excellence Award for its innovative environmental programs

AIRPORTS COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL

• Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Level 3+ (Orlando International Airport was the first airport in the United States to achieve Level 3+ of the ACI ACA, the highest level of airport carbon certification.)

ENGINEERING NEWS RECORD SOUTHEAST

• Airside 4 Renovation & Wing Expansion, Award of Merit, Airport/Transit

ASSOCIATED BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS

USA TODAY 10 BEST

• Best Large Airport Readers’ Choice Travel Award

ORLANDO BUSINESS JOURNAL

• Best Places to Work award

ORLANDO SENTINEL

• Readers’ Choice Award for Best Airport

J.D. POWER

• Highest in Customer Satisfaction for Mega Airports

CAPA – CENTRE FOR AVIATION

• Large Airport of the Year

AIRPORTS COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL-NORTH AMERICA’S

• Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award for Best Large Airport in North America

US GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL’S (USGBC) LEADERSHIP AWARDS

• Marquee Green Building Legacy Award for the automated people mover/intermodal terminal facility (APM/ITF)

• Sustainable Technology Award for the Terminal C project

ENGINEERING NEWS RECORD SOUTHEAST

• Terminal C Airside, Award of Merit, Airport/Transit

• Intermodal Facility, Award of Merit, Airport/Transit

AIRPORT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

• Project of the Year Terminal “C”

• Airside 4 Renovation & Expansion Excellence in Construction Awards Specialty Contractors Eagle Award Winner

ON TARGET TO BE FLORIDA’S FIRST LEED® V.4 CERTIFIED INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CAMPUS

ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (MCO) TERMINAL C

OIA BRIGHTLINE TRANSFER STATION

ENGINEERING AIRPORTSTHAT Soar

SINCE 1984

MATERN: ENGINEERING BUILDING SYSTEMS THAT WORK FOR YOU!

Working with different teams over the course of the many years at the airport has been an incredible experience for the Matern Aviation team. Doug Matern is honored to have been connected to the airport for the past 40+ years and have the opportunity to develop the efficient and sustainable infrastructure that helps serve the millions of travelers that come through Orlando.

Some of our most notable projects include:

• North Terminal Generator Plant (12 MW)

• South Terminal Generator Plant (28 MW)

• Power Distribution System Study (for emergency and standby availability in the event of a power outage)

• North Terminal Central Energy Plant Improvements

• South Terminal Automated People Mover and Intermodal Transfer Facility Complex & Central Energy Plant

• Main Ticket Lobby Renovation

• Airside 4 International Wing Renovation – Federal Inspection Station (FIS) & Customs Border Patrol (CBP) Wing Renovation

• Terminal “C” Airside & Landside

• Power coordination with Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) for Electric Vehicle (EV) power availability

• Brightline Transfer Station and Brightline Vehicle Maintenance Facility

• GOAA Continuing Contract since 2009

• In progress: Electric Vehicle Charging Study (MW) for over two dozen locations at MCO.

Matern is a full service mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, low voltage, technology, energy and commissioning engineering firm based in Central Florida. Established in 1984, we have offices in Maitland, Fort Myers, Jacksonville & Tampa. We are licensed in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington. We also hold a Small Business GSA Contract for Energy & Commissioning.

130 Candace Drive

Maitland, FL 32751

407.740.5020

EShay@matern.net

MCO TERMINAL C APM COMPLEX

MCO MAIN TICKET LOBBY RENOVATION

SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH DOUGLAS P. MATERN, PE

FORTY YEARS BUILDING ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT –TRIBUTE TO LEADERS OF THE PAST AND BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD

Engineering has always been in the air around Doug Matern - his brother, father, and grandfather are all electrical engineers. Doug is the founder and inspiration behind Matern Professional Engineering.

In his younger years, Doug seemed an unlikely engineer; his love for music, long hair, and hippy attitude never fit the traditional mold. But after earning an engineering degree from the University of Central Florida, Doug applied for a job at Lockheed Martin, formerly Martin Marietta, surrounded by others in white shirts and pocket protectors with hopes of working on something new in the technology world - lasers. When he applied, he learned he needed a Doctorate. Based on this, he planned to return to UCF and earn one. However, in the meantime, he needed a job. While Doug was not keen on the suggested business attire, his inquisitive nature and intellect allowed him to soar! As he was working and earning fees for going back to college, he learned about the consulting engineering field and ended up working in this field on many different types of projects.

One of his earliest and most enduring projects is the Orlando International Airport (MCO). In the late 1970s, Doug was a part of the Greiner Team, who had a contract with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority to build a new airport facility. Before the current OIA footprint, the location was a former U.S. Airforce Installation, McCoy Air force Base (1940-1947, 1951 - 1975), which was turned over to the City of Orlando in 1975. As part of the Greiner Team, Doug was involved with designing and constructing what would become the current international airport, one of the largest commercial airports in the U.S. that spans more than 12,000 acres. The original design included the western half of the Landside building, two parking garages, a 12 MW Emergency Generator system/plant and two Airside buildings. In 1978, construction started on the Landside building and both Airsides 1 and 3. This original electrical design included a main electrical central plant, which utilized multiple paralleled generators. Eventually, the airport added the Hyatt, food court and two more Airsides. Doug continued to work on the electrical systems for these additions and various other components of the airport infrastructure in the North Terminal Complex.

With experience, business acumen, and an entrepreneurial spirit, Doug founded Matern Professional Engineering Inc. in 1984. Within the firm, he created a dedicated Aviation Division. He was fortunate to continue his work with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and the airport facilities’ growing footprint. In 2015, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) approved the construction of Terminal C. Matern was selected to handle the engineering of the electrical systems, fire alarm and paging

low voltage system(s) for the new STC landside and airside buildings including a new 28MW Emergency Power Generator Building, which was completed and opened in 2023. In 2017, the Orlando International Airport Intermodal Transfer Facility and the Automated People Mover (APM) facility opened. Matern Professional Engineering was instrumental in the mechanical engineering of those facilities as well as the engineering of the Brightline high-speed rail facility in the APM and its remote train maintenance facility. As the airport’s technology has advanced, so has the expertise and efforts of Matern Professional Engineering.

As with all multi-phase long-term projects, this new terminal has been a collaboration of many teams, including engineering, aviation, architectural, and city and federal governments. A key driver in the success of the project has been the partnership with aviation industry leaders such as Kevin Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which operates and manages the Orlando International Airport, and former Orlando Airport CEO, Phil Brown, and many others. With a facility continuously evolving with new technology and highquality features, the leadership has been able to develop a solid foundation that incorporates strategic solutions that best fit the function of every space, as well as adaptability to the evolution of the space, customers and future stakeholders.

Working with different teams over the course of the many years at the airport has been an incredible experience for Doug. It has been an honor to be connected to the airport for the past 40+ years and have the opportunity to develop an efficient and sustainable infrastructure that helps serve the millions of travelers that come through Orlando each year. Whether with improved technology for passengers trying to get to their gates or for the public to enjoy the various food courts and retail shops, all have been impactful, valuable projects for the region.

A growth mentality has been a key element in the success and sustainability of Matern Professional Engineering and for Doug during his 48+ year career. Along with the technical advancements that the firm has kept pace with, Matern Professional Engineering has grown into a respected firm that provides engineer-consulting services throughout Florida, Alabama, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia; Doug has created a culture where every team member embodies his can-do attitude, being the first to say “let me see what I can do” to every customer’s request.

In his free time, Doug enjoys his early love of playing music as well as writing, boating, refurbishing MGs and Austin Healy’s, traveling, and spending time with his family.

www.matern.net

Just prior to the pandemic, our rolling 12-month passenger count through February of 2020 was over 51 million passengers. At the end of February this year, it was over 52 million, actually exceeding the highest number ever reached at this airport,” said Kevin Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) that operates and manages the airport.

ELEVATED ORLANDO EXPERIENCE

He acknowledged that Orlando International and the community continue to grow. “Our challenge is to stay ahead of it, and make sure we provide a seamless experience at both arrivals and departures, as well as the amenities that people expect.”

With this mission, the airport embarked on a journey of enhancement well before the pandemic. In September 2022, MCO opened a new, state-ofthe-art $2.8 billion Terminal C, a next-level facility that can accommodate an additional 10 to 12 million annual passengers of capacity and elevate the customer experience. The 1.8 million-square-foot Terminal C is the largest (by size) terminal project completed in the United States in recent years.

A new train station at the airport was also recently unveiled by Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, that will provide highspeed passenger rail service between Orlando International Airport and South Florida, connecting the two of the fastest growing regions in the state.

Kevin Thibault, CEO, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA)

Windows on Orlando©, is a 100-foot-long, 32-foottall display comprised of three adjacent, panoramic screens. Central Florida sequences were filmed on location and highlight various scenes such as a NASA rocket launch at the Kennedy Space Center.

“Orlando International will be the only airport in the nation with an intercity high-speed passenger rail station built into an airport. A true game changer with regard to mobility options for the Central Florida region. We’re excited to be partners with Brightline for this transformative moment in transportation,” acknowledged Mr Thibault.

SUSTAINABLE PROGRESS

The intermodal project, using a resiliency and sustainability management plan, meets GOAA’s goals to reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact. The train station adheres to LEED sustainable practices in both its design as well as its implementation and development.

Some of the design strategies included site and building modeling analysis, next-generation refrigerants, responsive lighting systems and selected materials that favor a reduction in embodied carbon and emissions.

The efforts towards sustainable development were duly recognised, as MCO just

recently won two sustainability awards at the US Green Building Council’s Leadership Awards –one for its automated people mover/intermodal terminal facility and the other for its Terminal C project. The latter was awarded for implementing an exceptional and innovative technology that improves a building’s sustainable design and operations.

“We strive to keep sustainability at the forefront. The awards reflect things

that we control as an airport exclusively. But we also work with many partners, airlines as well as organisations, to continue to move the needle in sustainability in the right direction.”

Moving on, Mr Thibault affirmed that the first stage of Terminal C has been a highly successful venture, much needed to handle the current amount of volume of passengers, but it does not stop there - MCO has recently

“ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL WILL BE THE ONLY AIRPORT IN THE NATION WITH AN INTERCITY HIGH-SPEED PASSENGER RAIL STATION BUILT INTO AN AIRPORT.

The Intermodal Train Facility welcomes high-speed passenger rail service to the Orlando International Airport complex. When service begins in Summer 2023, Orlando International will be the only U.S. airport to have intercity high-speed rail service.

JBT AEROTECH

One Company

A Full Suite of Airport-Focused Services

+ Parking & Valet Management

+ Remote Baggage Check-in Services

+ Shuttle & Fleet Services

+ Curbside / GT Management

+ Online Reservations & Dynamic Pricing

+ Technology Integration

+ Interactive Marketing Services

+ Facility Maintenance

Visit spplus.com/AirportServices or contact AirportSolutions@spplus.com

GREAT RELIABILTY EASY TO OPERATE EASY TO MAINTAIN

JBT AeroTech is a world leading supplier of aviation gate equipment, ground support equipment, defense-related flight line support equipment, and facility services. Many of our products are designed to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint while saving our customers thousands of dollars in reduced aircraft fuel burn. For more than 60 years JBT has been supplying robust, world-class aviation support products with thousands sold around the globe.

In addition to our family of Gate Equipment, JBT AeroTech designs and manufactures ground support equipment. Our product family includes the Commander and Ranger cargo loaders, Tempest i deicers, aircraft pushback tractors, mobile stairs and cargo transporters. Many of these models are available in diesel as well as green, all-electric versions. Supporting these products, JBT has offers its telematics, fleet management, equipment monitoring and use software system – iOPS. This provides managers, technicians, and other stake holders real-time, actionable information on the status, use, and operations of its gate and mobile equipment. iOPS is a key element in helping achieve the perfect aircraft turn. With iOPS from JBT, parked aircraft are serviced faster and aircraft APU fuel burns are minimized helping MCO become a more environmentally friendly airport.

Augmenting JBT’s hardware and software products is its service arm. JBT supplies full service for gate equipment maintenance and operations, facilities maintenance, and baggage handling system service, maintenance, upgrades, and operations.

JBT AeroTech is a total solutions provider of gate equipment, telematics, maintenance and ground support equipment for airlines and airports around the world.

www.jbtc.com/aerotech/

OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL: A CONCEPT TAKES FLIGHT

Solving customer challenges is at the center of Oceaneering’s core values. When the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) approached us looking for a solution for their newly constructed Terminal C facility, a concept took flight.

As one of the busiest airports in the United States, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a world-class, global gateway to the most visited destination in the country. To support the continued increase in passengers, MCO launched construction of Terminal C, the largest expansion project in its history. Phase I of the project encompasses 300 acres and 15 gates, accommodating both domestic and international flights. Passenger experience, including landside and airside mobility at the new terminal, is of utmost importance for GOAA at MCO.

NEW FACILITIES INTRODUCE NEW CHALLENGES

Recognizing the north concourse at Terminal C could present a lengthy walk for some passengers, GOAA looked to Oceaneering for a solution. Golf carts, commonly used in other airports, did not fit the innovative vision of GOAA’s leadership nor match with the intended guest experience. The desired solution needed to operate safely in a mixedtraffic environment and deliver ample capacity for transportation of guests and their belongings.

THE OCEANEERING SOLUTION

Building on our experience, we developed a purpose-built electric vehicle featuring zeroturning performance, obstacle detection technology, and the capability to accommodate six passengers with carry-on luggage. Uniquely, passengers are seated in a booth-style arrangement with the vehicle attendant standing at the rear. This provides a social environment for guests and enables direct interaction with the attendant. Working closely with GOAA, we developed our solution from a concept sketch to functioning prototype within six months.

Vehicle bodies were manufactured using 3D printing technology, featuring a combination of recycled plastic and carbon fiber materials. The core technology under the hood is based on Oceaneering’s proven ride systems technology, responsible for safely moving more than 100 million guests each year worldwide.

Today, six vehicles are operational at Terminal C, serving both domestic and international gates. While the vehicles are currently manually operated, they have the option to be fully automated in the future.

ELEVATING GUEST EXPERIENCE

Building on our DNA from the entertainment industry, our approach to guest experience was at the forefront of our design. The rider experience must be comfortable, convenient, and accessible for all. The look and feel of the vehicle had to be unique, innovative, and friendly while simultaneously immersing itself within Terminal C’s environment.

TECHNICAL KNOW HOW

This project is not a first for Oceaneering. For more than 50 years, we have designed, built, and installed some of the most complex equipment for the harshest environments worldwide. From robotics operating at thousands of feet subsea, to space flight hardware for NASA, Oceaneering thrives by creating industry-changing, technically creative solutions for our customers.

GLOBAL BRAND, LOCAL TO FLORIDA

Oceaneering’s 10,000 personnel are based at 70 operational facilities in 24 countries worldwide. Our Entertainment Systems facilities in Orlando & Manufactured Products site in Panama City have provided us with opportunities to serve diverse markets, both locally and globally. To learn more about our products & services, visit oceaneering.com

At Quality Cable Contractors we strive to achieve service excellence with every client we serve.

With more than 37 years of experience in low voltage, we take great care in listening to our customers’ needs, then help them design and implement scalable network solutions that meet their current and future business needs. We have a team of professionals that love what they do and who are committed to exceeding customer expectations with every opportunity provided to them. We serve both the private and public sectors with a portfolio of small business clients in Central and South Florida, as well as long standing relationships with Orange County Public Schools, Orange County Government, and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. We are proud to have been a part of the new south terminal complex at Orlando International Airport and look forward to working with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and its partners on a successful delivery for the next phase of expansion.

Orlando International’s commitment to sustainability is a longstanding mission. It was one of the first international airports to begin using eye-level standardised labels on recycling bins.

been awarded $69 million in federal funds for two Terminal C expansion projects. These will include four additional Multiple Aircraft Ramp System (MARS) gates capable of serving either four wide-body or eight narrow-body aircraft, and the completion of an enclosed pedestrian connector bridge, which will provide direct access between the Train Station and Terminal C.

“As Orlando International continues to handle recordsetting passenger totals, it is vital that airport improvement efforts keep pace with our traffic,” noted Mr Thibault. “Terminal C is the future of transportation in Central Florida and its multimodal connectivity will increase our capacity to accommodate projected future demand.”

CENTRAL FLORIDA’S MULTI-MODAL HUB

The growth of Orlando International Airport will also significantly support the development of the region.

As Mr Thibault pointed out, new statistics released by the Florida Department of Transportation show that MCO

generates more than $41 billion of direct and indirect economic activity annually for Central Florida. That represents the highest amount of any airport in the state of Florida.

Orlando International Airport supports the area’s thriving tourism industry and facilitates business travel and air cargo with more non-stop domestic air service than any other Florida airport while serving more than 50 non-stop international destinations.

“We recognise our role for the development of the local community and will continue to support economic development as an airport, but also in partnerships with local organisations,” said Mr Thibault, adding that Orlando Airport is

“AS ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL CONTINUES TO HANDLE RECORD-SETTING PASSENGER TOTALS, IT IS VITAL THAT AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT EFFORTS KEEP PACE WITH OUR TRAFFIC.”

The Palm Court area at Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C, where several food and retail concessions options are featured.

The Moment Vault, in Palm Court at Terminal C, at Orlando International Airport offers passengers an immersive and interactive media experience in Florida.

Global partner for future-proof airport automation

Vanderlande is a market-leading, global partner for future-proof logistic process automation in the warehousing, airports and parcel sectors. Its extensive portfolio of integrated solutions – innovative systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services – results in the realization of fast, reliable and efficient automation technology.

Vanderlande’s market-leading baggage handling systems and related passenger solutions are capable of moving over 4 billion pieces of baggage around the world per year. These are active in more than 600 airports, including 12 of the world’s top 20. In addition, over 380 of Vanderlande’s security lanes are installed at checkpoints worldwide.

For more information about Vanderlande, its products and technology, as well as career opportunities, please visit our website.

> vanderlande.com

Learn more:

TEAMWORK DELIVERS UNIQUE BAGGAGE SOLUTION AT ORLANDO AIRPORT

The new Terminal C at Orlando International Airport opened on 20 September 2022, and has the capacity to handle up to 12 million passengers every year. Vanderlande played a major role in its development by delivering a state-of-the-art baggage handling solution, as well as passenger security checkpoints and supplying life-cycle services with an onsite team.

AN INNOVATIVE AND CREATIVE SOLUTION

Orlando is primarily a destination airport, which means many travellers want to check in with irregular luggage such as golf clubs. To meet this demand, Vanderlande applied a new mid-size tub, to run on its TUBTRAX Individual Carrier System (ICS). Each luggage item is transported in its own tote equipped with RFID technology, allowing it to be tracked and located throughout the entire baggage handling process, from check-in to aircraft. Terminal C’s state-of-the-art baggage handling system is now able to convey 98% of all passenger luggage.

The resulting system is state-of-the-art and recently was an integral part of the airport winning the US Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Sustainability Award for Terminal C. It includes Vanderlande’s early bag storage system, BAGSTORE and the VIBES software controls all the terminal’s baggage handling operations, from check-in to final reconciliation.

WORKING AS ONE TEAM

A close working relationship underscored delivery of the BHS, and helped the project through challenging times, particularly during the pandemic. In fact, Vanderlande worked as “one team” with airport staff, with whom a special relationship was formed.

The foundation for this was Vanderlande’s direct contact with the airport owner, GOAA, to find out what it really needed and resolving any issues along the way. By solving problems together, and delivering the right strategic management, not a single day’s work was lost during the peak of the pandemic.

BEYOND INSTALLATION

That positive relationship will continue in the long-term as Vanderlande’s onsite highly qualified personnel deliver life-cycle services.

The end result is that passengers from all over the world will enjoy a fussfree check in and baggage reclaim. They will be reunited with their holiday luggage quickly and efficiently, so they can go on to relax and enjoy The Orlando Experience®.

GLOBAL PARTNER FOR FUTURE-PROOF AIRPORT AUTOMATION

Vanderlande is a market-leading, global partner for future-proof logistic process automation in the warehousing, airports and parcel sectors. Its extensive portfolio of integrated solutions – innovative systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services – results in the realization of fast, reliable and efficient automation technology.

Vanderlande’s market-leading baggage handling systems and related passenger solutions are capable of moving over 4 billion pieces of baggage around the world per year. These are active in more than 600 airports, including 12 of the world’s top 20. In addition, over 380 of Vanderlande’s security lanes are installed at checkpoints worldwide.

For more information about Vanderlande, its products and technology, as well as career opportunities, please visit www.vanderlande.com

also well placed to accommodate the emerging trend of so-called “bleisure travel”, the combination of business and holiday travel, enabled by the latest technology in recent years.

“We are fortunate here in Central Florida because we have the right environment for bleisure travel to occur. We have all the necessary convention facilities for business and as leisure travel picks up and merges with business travel, we will be one of the benefactors of that.”

Speaking about the future, he pointed out that GOAA is now in the process of updating its strategic plan for the next ten years to organize and articulate a vision for its future. As an economic generator for the Central Florida region, public involvement is also requested to help shape the Aviation Authority’s dynamic role in the community.

“One thing is for sure - this region continues to grow. This is a very positive development that gives us a lot of energy to further enhance what we now consider to be Central Florida’s multi-modal hub - Orlando International. It’s an exciting time.”

The Prowl is a distinctive architectural feature of Terminal C at Orlando International and allows ambient natural light into the ticketing area.

A balcony overview from Level 6 at Terminal C, a 1.8 million-squarefoot facility that opened in September 2022. Level 6 is the international passengers arrival, where passengers are immediately met with sunlight.