ORLANDO, Fla. — After months of consideration over whether to replace TSA agents with private security firms at Orlando International Airport, the board that oversees the airport tabled those discussions Wednesday.

• OIA board ends talks to privatize airport security
• TSA agents were concerned that jobs were on the line
• Orlando mayor says OIA board is happy with changes to service

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority voted unanimously to end pursuit of private screening functions, retaining Transportation Security Administration employees for that role. 

It said "enhancements" have been made by TSA to try to get more passengers through security checkpoints quicker, addressing GOAA's concerns.

"We have had substantive and very productive meetings with TSA officials locally, regionally and from Washington and as a result, significant changes have been implemented," said GOAA CEO Phil Brown in a statement.

Those changes at OIA include:

• 3 new checkpoint lanes at the West Checkpoint
• More TSA personnel and staffing, especially during peak travel times
• More K-9 units
• More customer service training for TSA workers

Thirty-six temporary TSA workers will be brought in until additional full-time employees are hired and trained.

The efforts are meant to reduce the amount of time passengers wait to be screened.

During peak periods, wait times at the West Checkpoint could reach more than 45 minutes. The new processes are expected to bring the average wait time down to 15 minutes.

The changes are in direct response to threats from the GOAA Board, who decided in February to consider privatizing security operations if TSA could not improve operations and efficiency.

“We have had substantive and very productive meetings with TSA officials locally, regionally, and from Washington, and as a result, significant changes have been implemented,” said Phil Brown, Chief Executive Officer of GOAA. “We feel comfortable that the progress we have seen will result in improved security and customer service for our more than 45 million annual passengers.”

There are approximately 1,100 people employed by the TSA at Orlando International Airport. Dozens of unionized TSA workers turned out for the February GOAA board meeting to voice their opposition to such a move. Some showed up to Wednesday’s meeting as well.

“The conversation of privatization has been a little stressful. Not only are we the front line for security for the traveling public, but now we have to deal with whether we’re going to have a job,” Ivan Hernandez said Wednesday after the GOAA meting. “I’m glad to hear they’re working together to resolve the problem of the increasing passenger flow and the limited space we have to accommodate that.”

Jerry Henderson, Federal Security Director of TSA in Orlando, says he is pleased with the outcome after working on improvements with the airport board.

“We had some capacity issues, and working with the airport authority, in 30 days we came up with a design, constructed it and had three lanes fully operational within 29 days,” Henderson said. “With additional staffing, additional K9 support, additional equipment as well, it’s increased our capacity by about 25 percent at the West Checkpoint.”

Orlando is still challenged by physical space. They currently have 29 security screening lanes, compared to airports in Miami, Newark, and Las Vegas who screen just as many passengers as Orlando, but has nearly twice as many screening lanes.

Brown says there are plans to permanently expand screening areas, with construction expected to last from August until December. Brown says they’re also working at technology and training upgrades that will improve screening efficiency. 

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who sits on the GOAA board, says the members are pleased with the changes happening.

"I think the TSA has really ramped up their efforts there. (It was a) nice story on the bomb dogs; that makes a difference in expediting the traveling public. ... We have so many visitors, our airport is extremely busy, (so it's important) we have a good customer service going through screening," Dyer said.