Orlando International Airport Terminal C Expansion

Modern airports depend on complex building systems working together seamlessly to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient passenger experiences. As part of the 1.8 million-square-foot Terminal C expansion at Orlando International Airport, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority invested in one of the largest aviation infrastructure projects in the country, creating a state-of-the-art terminal designed to serve millions of travelers each year. The challenge was ensuring its highly integrated systems were fully tested, coordinated and ready to perform before the terminal opened.

Motz Engineering provided commissioning services directly to the Construction Manager at Risk (CMR), supporting the transition from construction to full operational readiness. Commissioning services included mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire alarm systems, with responsibilities spanning drawing reviews, submittal reviews, pre-functional testing, and functional performance testing. Through a structured commissioning process, Motz Engineering helped verify that critical building systems operated as intended before the terminal welcomed its first passengers.

A cornerstone of the expansion was the dedicated Central Utility Plant, which provides the infrastructure necessary to support the terminal’s long-term performance. The plant includes a 9,000-ton chilled water system, 12,000 tons of cooling tower capacity, and seven 2-megawatt emergency generators capable of providing backup power for the entire facility. Commissioning these highly integrated systems required close collaboration between contractors, design professionals, airport representatives, and facility personnel to ensure every component operated together as a reliable, resilient system.

Throughout the project, Motz Engineering worked alongside the project team to verify system performance, document results, and support a smooth transition into airport operations. By identifying issues before occupancy and validating system functionality, Motz’s  commissioning process helped reduce operational risk while preparing one of the nation’s newest airport terminals for reliable day-to-day operations.

For airports and other mission-critical transportation facilities, operational readiness begins long before opening day. Commissioning provides owners with confidence that mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire alarm, and utility systems have been thoroughly tested and verified before passengers arrive. Early performance verification reduces operational risk, supports facility staff training, and helps ensure complex transportation infrastructure performs reliably from day one.

The Orlando International Airport Terminal C Expansion demonstrates Motz Engineering’s expertise commissioning large-scale transportation facilities where building performance, resilience, and operational continuity are essential to project success.