In a significant leadership shift, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) has selected Lance Lyttle, the current Managing Director of Aviation at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), as its next Chief Executive Officer. The announcement, made on Wednesday, marks a strategic choice for GOAA as it continues to oversee major expansion projects and manage one of the busiest airports in the country.
Transition and Leadership Change
Pending contract negotiations, Lyttle is expected to assume his new role as early as next month, succeeding retiring CEO Kevin Thibault. As CEO, Lyttle will oversee both Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport. With MCO’s annual passenger volume exceeding 57 million, the role demands a leader with extensive experience in large-scale airport operations.
Extensive Industry Experience
Lyttle brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position. Since 2015, he has served as the Managing Director of Aviation at Sea-Tac, where he played a crucial role in overseeing a comprehensive $5 billion renovation project. The improvements under his leadership included concourse expansions, enhanced safety measures, an upgraded baggage handling system, and the introduction of an automated parking guidance system—experience that aligns well with ongoing projects at Orlando’s airports.
Crisis Management and Cybersecurity Expertise
Beyond infrastructure advancements, Lyttle demonstrated strong crisis management skills when Sea-Tac faced a ransomware attack in August of last year. The cyberattack disrupted essential airport operations, affecting baggage handling, ticketing, passenger display boards, and the airport’s website. While hackers accessed some personal data, they were unable to breach critical safety systems.
In response to the attack, Lyttle testified before a U.S. Senate committee in September, highlighting the airport’s robust cybersecurity measures and the preparedness of its staff. His ability to swiftly manage and mitigate such challenges underscores his leadership capabilities in high-pressure situations.
A Strong Background in Aviation Leadership
Before his tenure at Sea-Tac, Lyttle held key leadership positions at the Houston Airport System and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. His educational background includes bachelor’s degrees in physics and computer science, as well as a master’s degree in management information systems from the University of the West Indies.
Future Prospects for Orlando’s Airports
As GOAA prepares for Lyttle’s transition into the role, Orlando’s airports continue to undergo transformative developments aimed at enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency. Lyttle’s extensive experience in infrastructure modernization and crisis management is expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of air travel in Central Florida.
Stay tuned for further updates as contract negotiations progress and Lyttle’s official start date is confirmed.