Melbourne's airport is defending itself against Orlando's airport in a name battle described as "David vs. Goliath."
- Orlando International Airport, Orlando Melbourne International Airport battling over name
- OIA wants MLB to drop "Orlando" from name in marketing materials
- Says it causes confusion for travelers
Orlando International Airport wants Orlando Melbourne International Airport to stop using Orlando in its marketing efforts.
Since 2008, the Brevard County-based airport, which sees half a million passengers each year, has included "Orlando" in its name to lure prospective passengers to its gates via Delta and American Airlines.
"Collectively all Central Florida airports are working to bring customers to our region," said Lori Booker, Orlando Melbourne International Airport spokesperson.
But a few weeks ago, OIA officials made it clear they didn't agree with MLB using the City Beautiful's name.
"It's gotten to a level where we think we need to sit down and resolve some of our concerns," said Phil Brown, Executive Director of the Greater Orlando Airport Authority, which manages OIA and Orlando Executive Airport.
Brown says they've been aware of the name usage for quite some time.
He says it's created passenger confusion, with some thinking Melbourne is closer to the parks and attractions of Orlando.
"When they are leaving and arriving, they want to know exactly how close they are to their destination, and that's becoming confused," Brown said.
"But this David is standing up to this Goliath," said Booker. "Being perceived as a threat by OIA, forgive us for feeling a little bit good about that."
Booker adds it's puzzling why eight years passed before the conversation was brought up.
In a written response to GOAA's request, Melbourne Aviation Authority executive director Greg Donovan found Brown's assertions somewhat dubious:
"While I appreciate your sensitivities, assumptions in your letter are inaccurate, since repeated air service development studies have clearly established that MCO and MLB compete for the same market share and have overlapping catchment areas. This has been a fact for decades, along with the fact that both domestic and international passengers utilize both of our facilities for access to Central Florida and the greater Orlando area."
Donovan also pointed out that Orlando International Airport's own advertising includes references to Embraer, Northrop Grumman and Harris Corp. as companies in the Orlando area -- even though those companies are located on Melbourne International Airport's campus.
Brown says the Melbourne Airport Authority needs to fully make clear, Melbourne is 70 miles from Orlando.
- RELATED: Read both letters and see OIA's advertising. (.PDF)
This is not the first time Orlando International Airport has seen a need to protect its good name.
In 90s, when a regional airport in Sanford became Orlando-Sanford International Airport, attorneys for Greater Orlando Aviation Authority investigated whether there was a legal basis to stop the airport from using Orlando in its name. Orlando-Sanford had just lured an international charter flight company from OIA and there were concerns the airport would affect business.
The airport in Sanford still operates as Orlando-Sanford International Airport today. Its biggest domestic carrier is Allegiant Airlines. Its biggest international carrier is Thomson Airways.