Contributed by:
Jay Bailey
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
cell 678.557.6971
office 404.835.9600
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport proudly bears the distinction of being the world’s busiest airport and has long served as a valuable hub connecting various cities and countries around the globe. However, Hartsfield-Jackson is also a prime destination for travelers – business and pleasure – visiting Atlanta and other locales in the southeastern United States.
To keep pace with rapid growth, both in the metro Atlanta area and regionally, the Airport continues to expand capacity and improve efficiency through our $6 billion-plus Capital Improvement Program (CIP). One element of this forward-looking strategy has already yielded results.
Our new fifth runway has provided increased capacity that is helping airlines save millions in operating expenses. As our Capital Improvement Program continues, travelers will have access to a new energy-efficient car rental facility and a new 12-gate international terminal. I am confident that this development strategy will help Hartsfield-Jackson maintain its role as a potent economic engine.
Find below a time line of incredible growth in the past 10 years.
March 2000
Hartsfield is recognized as the World’s Busiest Airport in terms of both passenger traffic and landings and takeoffs after accommodating more than 78 million passengers and more than 900,000 landings and takeoffs for 1999.
April 2001
The City of Atlanta celebrates the groundbreaking for the new fifth runway at Hartsfield. This project is a major component of the $6 billion-plus, 10-year capital improvement program. Other projects include a new international terminal and Consolidated Rental Car facility (CONRAC). The fifth runway is the largest public works project in Georgia history.
October 2001
Following the attacks of 9/11, enhanced security measures were adopted at the nation’s airports. Members of the Georgia National Guard begin security patrols at Hartsfield to support existing security personnel and Atlanta police officers at Hartsfield.
October 2003
To honor late Atlanta Mayor Maynard H. Jackson, the Atlanta City Council legislated a name change of the Airport. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport recognizes the visionary leadership that both William B. Hartsfield and Jackson had for the Airport. Hartsfield-Jackson, the world’s busiest passenger airport for the fourth consecutive year, stands as a testament to two of the city’s greatest leaders.
July 2004
Construction begins on the $215 million TSA Baggage Security Screening Project, which creates specially constructed rooms below the Airport roadways for Explosive Detection Systems currently located in the ticketing lobbies. As part of the project, additional screening facilities were constructed at International Concourse E, Airport roadways were reconfigured and improved terminal curb fronts were installed.
December 2004
A record 83.6 million passengers passed through the Airport, and since 1998, Hartsfield-Jackson has retained its title as the world’s busiest passenger airport. Additionally, a record 6 million international passengers travel through Hartsfield-Jackson, marking a 103 percent growth since the city of Atlanta hosted the 1996 Olympic Summer Games
July 2005
Hartsfield-Jackson celebrates its 80th birthday. From its humble beginnings to its present world-class distinction and into its illustrious future, the Airport continues to be a vital link in the world’s air transportation system.
May 2006
The fifth runway open. It is hailed as “The Most Important Runway in America.”
January 2007
Hartsfield-Jackson receives several prestigious national honors. It was named Best Large U.S. Airport by American Express’ Executive Traveler magazine. It was named Most Efficient Airport in the World by Air Transport Research Society. General Manager Ben DeCosta was named Best Airport Director by Airport Revenue News magazine.
February 2008
Forbes magazine names Hartsfield-Jackson the No. 1 airport in the nation for WiFi connectivity.
March 2009
- Hartsfield-Jackson Concessions program wins the Atlanta Business Chronicle Best in Real Estate: 2008 Deal of the Year award in the Retail category.
- Hartsfield-Jackson receives Airport Revenue News’ 2009 Best Concessions Management Team award.
April 2009
- Aviation General Manager Ben DeCosta named “Man of the Year” by Atlanta Tribune.
- Hartsfield-Jackson’s cargo operation receives Air Cargo World’s Award of Excellence.
May 2009
- Hartsfield-Jackson was recognized as Air Cargo Week’s “Airport of the Year.”
- Airport appoints its first chief financial officer, Milton M. Castillo.
June 2009
The Air Transport Research Society recognizes Hartsfield-Jackson with its Award of Excellence for Efficiency.
July 2009
- The Air Transport Research Society recognizes Hartsfield-Jackson with its Award of Excellence for Efficiency.
- Hartsfield-Jackson sets a world record for monthly flight operations (88,408).
September 2009
- The Air Transport Research Society recognizes Hartsfield-Jackson with its Award of Excellence for Efficiency.
- Hartsfield-Jackson sets a world record for monthly flight operations (88,408).
October 2009
- Alaska Airlines begins service at Hartsfield-Jackson.
- Aviation General Manager Ben DeCosta is appointed to the Airports Council International World Governing Board.
November 2009
- Hartsfield-Jackson launches a new recycling program, GreenSortATL.
- The Airport’s new dog park opens.
- Hartsfield-Jackson receives the Airport Safety Mark of Distinction award from the Federal Aviation Administration Southern Region, Airports Division.
- The Airport’s Concessions unit wins the Airports Council International–North America’s Best Convenience Retail Program award in the large airport category and the 2009 Concessions Person of the Year (director of Concessions).
December 2009
- Hartsfield-Jackson’s new rental car center and ATL SkyTrain open to the public.
- Hartsfield-Jackson Chief Information Officer Lance Lyttle is named to the 50 Most Important African-Americans in Technology list by eAccess Corp., a San Francisco-based publisher.
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