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Here as Air Cargo Conference waits in the wings ready to step off next month, we spoke to Tod D. Willman, Assistant Vice President of Cargo Development for Greater Orlando Aviation Authority MCO, who makes the case that MCO Is Not Just Mickey Mouse Anymore.
 FT: Make the case for MCO Cargo. What do you say to someone who says to you . . . OK, Tod Willman MCO Cargo boss. Tell me why I should be doing business via Orlando? Isn’t that the airport made famous by Mickey Mouse & Donald Duck?
TW: While Orlando and surrounding areas are known for our famous characters and world-class attractions we are also recognized for our vibrant aerospace, simulation, life sciences, and educational ecosystems. MCO is the ideal destination for cargo operations offering a convenient location with easy access to the interstate highways and less congestion than other airports in the region. In addition, beyond our great domestic network, Orlando International has 60 international O&D pairs offering widebody belly capacity to Europe, South America, and the Middle East. Simply put: Orlando offers More Cargo Opportunities.
FT: Describe MCO 2026. Where is the airport and how specifically is air cargo positioned at this time?
TW: Currently the integrators have roughly a 70% market share at MCO. Imports on international flights are respectable. There is excess capacity available for sale on the outbound flights. Growth in 2025 was about 4% overall. The handlers and carriers are able to accept additional cargo immediately. The airport is a perfect choice for relieving backlogs at other airports in the region. Orlando International Airport is also a grantee for Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) 42, which encompasses all of Orange County.
FT: Looking ahead, what initiatives are planned? Can you share some vision of the year, perhaps a review of the last year and what changes have taken place recently and are planned ahead?
TW: In 2025 Air France launched service MCO-CDG adding 16 tons of additional belly capacity. Iberia has also launched MCO-MAD service. Cargo is also working closely with Airport Planning, Real Estate, and Security to expand capacity and enhance the cargo experience at MCO.
FT: Can you speak a bit of commodities and include the entire range of goods either originating or transiting MCO.
TW: Commodities being exported from Orlando International Airport include aerospace, telecommunication, and medical equipment. There is also activity related to agriculture and seafood. Raw pharmaceutical material, contact lenses, and orthopedic instruments are the leading imports.
FT: What is the most common misunderstanding about MCO Cargo?
TW: The most common misunderstanding about MCO Cargo is we are a low yield domestic airport, but it isn’t true. Our widebody international airline partners offer high-yield services to Africa, South America, India, and the Middle East nonstop or via their strategic hubs.
FT: How has airport authority supported the proposition of utilizing the MCO gateway for cargo? What initiatives, outreach, training or information programs are offered to help clients navigate doing business via Gateway MCO?
TW: The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority has supported MCO’s cargo program by partnering with business development agencies including the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP), Central Florida International Trade Office (CFITO), U.S. Commercial Service, and local chambers of commerce. We actively participate in trade events and educate the local community on airport amenities such as the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ).
FT: How important is collaboration? How does MCO cooperate as example with other gateways? Are there any new programs in the works?
TW: MCO is a member of the Airports Council International (ACI) and I am fortunate to participate on the Air Cargo Steering Group. The airport has launched an Air Cargo Association in an effort to give our partners the opportunity to share ideas for making the airport a preferred gateway for air cargo.
FT: How do you handle burgeoning traffic, trucks and other access issues at MCO Cargo? What is the program?
TW: The Aviation Authority has prioritized increasing air cargo processing capacity. As part of the airport Master Plan, we are exploring projects to expand and enhance cargo growth at the airport. Areas of consideration include taxiways, cargo buildings, and improved access to and from field operations.
FT: Taking an industry view, can you please suggest some things the industry can do to better itself and frankly work better all around.
TW: Shippers, consignees, and transportations service providers must digitize and go paperless with existing technologies. Pricing and booking platforms, eAWBs, and scanning bar codes have to be adopted. Transparency that adds visibility yet protects intellectual property is also a consideration moving forward. Transportation is about relationships. Improved technology will strengthen and enhance these relationships.
FT: What would you like to do in air cargo that has not already been done? (get rid of paper, tighten security etc.)
TW: Airlines mandating eAWBs in markets that permit it. Investment in scanners for employees receiving cargo on the docks. Some carriers and handling agents are already doing this.
FT: Who will be the airport cargo managers of tomorrow? What must the airport business do to attract young talent to work for the betterment of air cargo.
TW: Attracting young talent is one of my biggest focusses and something I’m passionate about. One of the airport’s strategic pillars is People. We want to provide and expand opportunities for our own employees but also attract and retain talented individuals who possess the right attitude and aptitude to deliver our mission.
As an industry, it is our responsibility to educate young people about the career opportunities that exist in transportation. While the hours are tough and the stress can be challenging, the rewards are immeasurable. The industry provides opportunities for constant learning and personal growth as every day is different. From the Warehouse Clerk to an Airline Captain to the Director of Operations, we are a global industry that makes a difference and has an impact on people’s lives.
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