Challenge
As Orlando International Airport (MCO) grew, its passenger communications needed to keep pace. In 2016, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) and Synect began exploring how digital signage could make check-in more flexible, deliver greater value from airport space, and create a more welcoming passenger experience. It started as a seven-screen pilot at ticketing. After the pilot, GOAA made a unanimous decision to move forward with a larger, scalable implementation.
The opportunity extended beyond the check-in lobby. Airline information, wayfinding, security guidance, and airport messaging needed to respond to changing operations while feeling like part of the same experience. GOAA needed a communication system that could accommodate changing airline assignments and branding to support common use scenarios, greet, guide, and assist passengers at key decision points, and flexibly scale to new airport locations and terminals.
As that system took shape, GOAA and Synect also saw an opportunity to give it a recognizable face. The goal was to develop an expressive airport ambassador who could engage passengers across different spaces, screen formats, and interactions. As Annie the Astronaut came to life, she would need to grow alongside the system, helping its expanding capabilities feel distinctly welcoming, family-friendly, and uniquely MCO. As Annie’s fanbase grew, she also needed to adapt to new uses, including unique airport spaces and beyond.
Approach
GOAA and Synect developed the content strategy and visual communication ecosystem around the airport’s passengers’ needs. Passenger360®, Synect’s digital content management system, uses airport systems and data to display the information passengers need at each point across their journey. Custom content, including airport branding, localized content, and eventually Annie, adds personality, a sense of place, and engagement.
Inspired by Central Florida’s aerospace innovation and the excitement of travel, Annie emerged from Synect’s initial sketches and character exploration. Synect’s Orlando studio created her design and 3D model, then completed live motion capture and animation to bring her to life. Her reflective visor conceals her face, adding mystery and relatability while posture, gestures, and movement convey her personality. She made her digital public debut during the 2017 Thanksgiving travel season.
Annie welcomes travelers, dances, gestures, and holds directional symbols or messages. Her roles have grown as the system has, bringing her to locations including security, 2022’s new Terminal C, a 2026 Terminal C expansion, and beyond. The system keeps information current, and her familiar presence connects the messages passengers encounter along the way.
Synect’s Orlando studio created many poses, outfits, directional signs, seasonal content, and more. That creative foundation allows Annie to work across the ecosystem, capturing attention, explaining airport procedures, celebrating holidays, and helping passengers find their way. Updated models and usage guidelines support consistency as both the signage network and GOAA’s uses for Annie expand.
GOAA contributes airport expertise, brand direction, operational requirements, and stakeholder review. Synect combines content strategy and creative production with Passenger360[AS2.1] and airport-system integration. Together, they have developed a world-class communication program and character in which practical information and airport personality evolve and expand across the airport.
Power in Numbers
Solution
The seven-screen check-in pilot grew into a wall of more than 700 synchronized screens, completed in 2018. It combines airline identities, counter information, flight data, and airport content, including Annie. Integrations allow assignments and content to follow flight schedules automatically, with operator overrides when circumstances change. Passenger360® subsequently expanded across Terminals A, B, and C and the Train Station, now managing more than 2,200 displays. Annie’s animation library and applications grew with it, extending her welcome and guidance across more of the passenger journey.
At the security checkpoint, Annie’s Airport Journey follows Annie through a detailed digital recreation of Terminals A and B on twin overhead 6,864 × 624-pixel LED video walls. As she moves from check-in toward the gate, the content shares live wait times, security preparation guidance, and concession information. QR codes connect passengers with post-security dining information on their phones.
For Annie’s Journey alone, Synect’s studio created more than 7,200 rendered frames, over 1,000 animated elements, and more than 100 custom character models. Familiar architecture, native plants, and MCO’s much-loved carpet were reconstructed for Annie’s animated world, demonstrating the craftsmanship and creativity GOAA and Synect pour into every Annie experience. Annie’s Airport Journey was a 2026 Digital Signage Award Winner for Creative Excellence: Helpful Information.
The ecosystem and Annie’s world continued to grow in 2026 as MCO opened a new wing in Terminal C and welcomed Virgin Atlantic’s relocation. Across the expansion’s digital signage, she brings a familiar face to new passenger spaces, pairing useful information with MCO’s distinctive personality.
GOAA has extended its character into social media, merchandise, and passenger amenities. She is the namesake and creative focus of Annie’s Space Sensory Room, which launched in the summer of 2025. Annie and her canine companion, Luna, appear throughout the room. Synect promotes the space across MCO’s visual communication ecosystem, connecting the character passengers see on the screens with a resource for travelers with sensory sensitivities and their families.
In August 2026, Annie touched down on terra firma. GOAA introduced a live mascot developed with airport teams and creative partners, including Synect and Chicago Mascot. The character created to welcome passengers on screens could now meet them face to face. MCO held a new mascot ceremony, where Annie received a welcome from passengers, airport executives, and more than a dozen Central Florida community mascots. The airport now identifies Annie as its official mascot and community ambassador, with an appearance request page for airport events, educational programs, community outreach, and special appearances. In September, D Squared Productions shared photographs of Annie at Orlando City Soccer Stadium, bringing her into another distinctly Orlando setting.
Results
GOAA and Synect’s collaboration has produced a visual communication ecosystem that continues to accommodate new airport spaces, operational needs, and creative experiences. Annie has grown with those capabilities, giving MCO a consistent creative face across passenger guidance, large-format storytelling, amenity promotion, and community engagement. Her adoption as the airport’s official live mascot extends the original digital investment into a new public role.
In MCO’s August 2026 live-debut announcement, GOAA Chief Executive Officer Lance Lyttle said: “Annie’s astronaut theme pays tribute to Central Florida’s rich aerospace heritage and embodies the excitement, optimism, and sense of possibility that come with every journey.” He added: “Thanks to our External Affairs team and creative partners for bringing Annie to life.”
Her live debut attracted coverage from WFTV, Airport Experience News, Future Travel Experience, and ThrillGeek.
Passengers have formed their own connection with Annie. Her ongoing digital presence, seasonal appearances, merchandise, and new opportunities to meet her in the real world give that affection room to grow.
Annie even has a fan-created social media account dedicated to her. Passengers and people online have said:
“The new signs and Annie the Astronaut make travel smoother and more fun.” - Kaushal P
“Our toddler is going to lose his mind [when] we pass through MCO.” – Nicholas A
“Airports have mascots???!!!... but with that said where do I meet Annie??” – Ella R
“Hope to see Annie in my travels a few weeks!” - Tina J
“Soooo excited to meet Annie!” - Milo B
Nearly a decade after her first screen appearance, Annie is still helping travelers find their way. Now, as MCO’s live mascot and community ambassador, the little astronaut has a whole new world to explore. Her leap from digital signage to hometown celebrity is complete. Her greatest adventures are still ahead.
Enhance Guidance
Create clarity and engagement
Project Goals
Build Recognition
Create a memorable ambassador
Enable Growth
Scale from screen to terminal
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