PPE vending machines open at Orlando International Airport

Orlando International Airport (MCO) has installed new vending machines that give the travelling public easy access to a variety of face masks, hand sanitisers and other personal protective equipment (PPE).

“It is our top priority to make travellers and employees feel safe within our world-class airport,” explains Phil Brown, CEO of  the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

“To do that, we want to ensure everyone can easily obtain personal safety essentials needed to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Passenger traffic has been slowly climbing at MCO since falling 97% in May. Currently, traffic is down approximately 71% compared to year ago levels. There are 426 flights scheduled for today with an estimated 15,468 departing passengers, which is down from the original projection of 66,518.

The rebound in passenger traffic is directly connected to airlines adding to their schedules at MCO.

The six Clean & Safe Travels vending machines have prices that start at $7.50 for two masks and are conveniently located in high touch point areas near the following airline ticket counters: JetBlue, Frontier, Southwest, Delta, United and American Airlines.

According to the airport, the machines and their inventory “best assist in efforts to comply with Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’ order which requires everyone in a public space, including our facility, to wear a face covering that meets current CDC guidance”.

Along with the new vending machines, a number of retailers in the terminal have also made PPE supplies available to travellers for purchase.