Orlando Airport Shuttle Problems Result In Fine For Manufacturer
by Harvey Chipkin /
Orlando International Airport will fine the manufacturer of its new shuttle system and seek compensation for travelers hit with extra costs because of repeated failures, according to airport director Phil Brown.
Part of a $90 million replacement of shuttles at the airport, the newly installed transportation system has been crippled three times in the past week. Brown said the airport aims to penalize Mitsubishi Heavy Industry America, the manufacturer, by reducing payment for the shuttle project by $400,000. The problems were caused, said Brown, by electronic failure, miscommunication and worker error. On one occasion, 56 passengers missed flights.
The builders, Brown told the Orlando Sentinel, “has brought resources in from all over the world, and we want them to bring in more resources.” He said he is not confident that the shuttle problems have been solved.
The shuttle serves United, American and Spirit Airlines, using gates 1 thorough 59.