Summary:
- MCO opens its first Family Zone with the launch of the Flybrary, a playful reading nook designed to enhance the passenger experience for travelling families.
- Nature inspired design brings Central Florida’s outdoors inside, featuring tree themed bookshelves, stump style seating and a restored Lake Eola swan boat.
- Community focused amenities support GOAA’s vision to create engaging, educational spaces that delight guests and elevate comfort across the airport.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – has opened the ‘Flybrary’, a playful library and reading nook that is the first of three Family Zones that will open at MCO this year.
“As young readers travel though our airport, the Flybrary invites them to take flight with new adventures,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which operates MCO. “Orlando International Airport has made community a foundational pillar, and we believe a good community partner honours stakeholders by providing new and exciting spaces to explore and learn.”
The Flybrary’s aesthetics align with MCO’s design concepts by bringing Central Florida’s outdoors to the indoors. From the bookshelves resembling trees, stools resembling tree stumps, and carpet resembling water and plant life, the Flybrary evokes the natural beauty of the region.
Floating above it all is a special vintage Lake Eola swan boat that pays tribute to Billy the Swan, Lake Eola, and downtown Orlando’s iconic swan population. The swan boat was specially restored for display in the Flybrary. The real Billy the Swan is recognised as being one of the first swans to be imported to downtown Orlando, before gaining an infamous reputation for his aggressive behaviour. Nevertheless, Billy’s feisty attitude made him a hit with Orlando’s residents and his story reminds that even the quirkiest characters can become legends.
The opening of the Flybrary, a concept first embraced by MCO’s Comfort Team, is helping to fulfil a GOAA vision: to elevate the passenger experience with amenities that delight guests.
“With the Flybrary, we are continuing to raise the customer experience here at MCO,” said Chief Customer Experience Officer Tawana Allen. “This project helps to improve the comfort level of our guests and allows them to experience Lake Eola’s popular swan boats in a different way.”
The Flybrary is located post-security in Terminal C, Level 2, near Gate 240 and is open to travellers during regular Terminal C operations. Non-travelling guests can also access the Flybrary by applying for an Experience MCO Visitor Pass.
Hear more from Greater Orlando Aviation Authority at the co-located APEX FTE EMEA and APEX FTE Ancillary & Retailing events, taking place in Dublin on 9-11 June 2026. Scott Goodwin, AVP Airport Operations, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, is participating in a session focused on ‘How can airports and airlines successfully scale baggage handling innovations to make a real difference across the industry? Is the time now?’
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