Orlando International ends 2013 Fiscal year with record high international traffic

International traffic set another record for the 2012-2013 fiscal year at Orlando International Airport (MCO) ending in September. The number of international travelers increased to over 3 million with a 5.8 percent improvement compared to the same time last year.

“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.

Part of those planned enhancements include ten new, high-tech, digital security kiosks that are currently being tested by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the international arrivals area at MCO. Orlando

International is the nation’s pilot site for this new generation of kiosks, which allows international passengers from visa waiver countries and U.S. citizens to self-process into the United States.

The new kiosks will partially automate the inspection process for persons entering the United States. The system will collect the passengers’ passport and flight information, declaration data, scan fingerprints, take a photo and issue a receipt to the passenger. The passenger then presents their passport and receipt to a CBP officer for verification. The whole process should take under two minutes and will launch in early 2014.

September Statistical Data:

• International traffic increased 8.1 percent in September with 278,606 passengers
• Domestic traffic decreased 2.9 percent with 2,009,045 passengers at MCO
• Overall traffic for the month was down 1.7 percent with 2,287,651 total passengers

Fiscal Year Statistical Data:

• International traffic up 5.8 percent to 3,010, 192 travelers
• Domestic traffic down 2.0 percent with 23,433, 156 passengers
• Overall traffic down 1.2 percent with 26,443,348 total passengers at MCO

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.