Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board approves preliminary FY 2015 budget for Orlando International and Orlando Executive Airports

The Board of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) approved a preliminary budget of $447.7 million to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and $2.8 million for Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) for the 2015 fiscal year beginning in October.

“No local tax dollars fund operations or capital improvements at Orlando International Airport,” says Frank Kruppenbacher, Chairman of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “So therefore, the 2015 budget continues reliance upon diverse income sources for the airport with almost 70 percent of the budget coming from non-airline revenues such as rental cars, concessions, parking and ground transportation and the remainder from airlines.”

Despite assuming additional costs for airfield apron operations, terminal airline equipment loading bridges, baggage system maintenance, Federal Inspection Services, increased security demands, customer service initiatives, information and technology enhancements and personnel costs, the 2015 budget remains competitive.

“Our landing fees are virtually unchanged from last year and we remain under the 25th percentile in the United States in costs per enplaned passenger, which allows for some of the lowest costs for the airlines to operate,” says Phil Brown, Executive Director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “This budget and monetary philosophy continues to attract new airlines and allows Orlando International Airport to invest in the future while responsibly paying down debt from the past.”

2015 Budget Highlights

• Overall operating budget for MCO is $447,715,000 compared to $435,216,000 in 2014
• Overall operating budget for ORL is $2,838,000 compared to 2,804,000 in 2014
• Landing fee is $1.59 per 1000 pounds of landed weight compared to $1.52 in 2014
• Cost per enplaned passenger is $6.95 compared to $5.88 in 2014 (remains in 25th percentile nationwide in airline operating costs)

Following today’s approval of the preliminary budget the process moves to the Orlando City Council for a public hearing. Upon conclusion of the public hearing the GOAA Board will vote on a finalized version of the budget at the September Board meeting. The 2015 fiscal year budget takes effect October 1st.