Orlando International Airport has more work coming, and some of it is aimed squarely at local businesses.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority reviewed a long list of completed and planned projects Thursday, from new parking garages to terminal upgrades, WFTV reported. The board also updated its Local Developing Business program and created a companion Small Business program for qualifying Florida businesses.
8,000 more parking spaces planned
Two planned garages would add 8,000 public parking spaces at Orlando International, according to WFTV. The airport has also developed dedicated employee parking areas to free up existing spaces for travelers.
A parking guidance system has been installed at Terminal C, and activation is continuing in phases across all airport garages through mid-2027. Drivers will also see updated road, garage and terminal signs.
Terminal improvements
An enclosed pedestrian bridge with moving walkways now connects Terminal C to the airport's train station, WFTV reported. Three new Family Zones give children places to play, read and recharge.
Terminal C has also expanded with a new wing serving Gates 250 through 254, now home to Virgin Atlantic. The airport has added ZIPAIR nonstop charter flights to Tokyo and Iberia nonstop service to Madrid.
The authority also launched a $40 million Beautiful Airports Program to improve safety, functionality and appearance across parking garages, terminals and airport grounds.
"Our responsibility is to elevate every part of the journey — making it more welcoming, intuitive and connected," GOAA CEO Lance Lyttle said.
Private investment at both airports
Other projects at Orlando International include a $50 million investment by dnata and a $26 million redevelopment by Lake Nona-based Signature Aviation, according to WFTV.
At Orlando Executive Airport, which the authority also oversees, Sky Harbour has broken ground on a $40 million campus.
Small business programs updated
For local contractors, the most important news may be the least flashy. The board updated its Local Developing Business program and created a companion Small Business program for qualifying Florida businesses, WFTV reported. The authority said details will be posted on its website.
The Local Developing Business program is designed to help local firms compete for and take part in GOAA projects, according to the program page on the airport's website. As currently posted there, eligible firms must be based in the Orlando metro area, which covers Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake counties. Construction contractors and related design and consulting firms must average no more than $5 million in annual gross revenue over the past three years, and the owners must meet a personal net worth limit.
Firms must be LDB-certified by GOAA to compete for LDB direct procurement opportunities or to be counted as an LDB by larger firms, according to the page. Certification is handled through GOAA's online Small Business Directory.
Because the board just updated the program, contractors should check the authority's website for the revised details before applying.
Why it matters for contractors
Two new parking garages with 8,000 spaces represent a major construction opportunity on their own, bringing work for concrete, structural, electrical, signage and parking technology contractors. Add the $40 million Beautiful Airports Program, the phased rollout of parking guidance systems through mid-2027, and private projects by dnata, Signature Aviation and Sky Harbour, and Orlando's airports will keep a steady pipeline of work moving.
The Beautiful Airports Program in particular could create smaller jobs spread across garages, terminals and grounds, the kind of work that fits mid-sized and specialty firms.
The business program changes are worth a close look for Central Florida contractors. LDB certification is the ticket to direct procurement opportunities set aside for local firms, and certified firms can be counted as LDBs by larger firms, which can make a small company a more attractive subcontractor. The new companion Small Business program is open to qualifying Florida businesses, which may bring in firms from outside the four-county Orlando area.
Firms that haven't certified yet should start the process now, and those already certified should review the updated rules once GOAA posts them.