ORLANDO, Fla. – A $2.8 billion project to build the South Terminal Complex is underway at Orlando International Airport.
Phase 1 of the project will add 19 gates, which will accommodate up to 27 aircraft, including narrow body, jumbo and super-jumbo jets.
Other highlights will include automated screening lanes in TSA checkpoint, a new baggage claim system where arriving international passengers can get their "Bags First," which will be energy efficient and feature facial recognition software for international arrival and departure passengers.
"There are about 2,500 construction jobs generated over this, about 250 permanent jobs that's just the airport side, there will many more as airlines start to grow. Jet Blue is targeted to have most of the gates in the south," said Phil Brown, with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
Officials say OIA receives about 40 million travelers and they expect the new South Terminal project will bring in another 11 million. It's expected to open in 2021.