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  • Hartsfield-Jackson’s first fall job fair draws big crowd, high praise

    Hartsfield-Jackson’s first fall job fair draws big crowd, high praise

    By Shane Blatt
    Senior Public Relations Manager

    Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) hosted its first fall job fair Oct. 19, drawing thousands of career hopefuls looking to land a position at the world’s busiest airport – or with its partners and stakeholders.

    Officially, 3,083 participants packed the Georgia International Convention Center to make a pitch for one of 1,691 open positions. More than 60 Airport community employers were on hand, and they hired at least 89 individuals on the spot.

    Arieona Housworth of Atlanta was among them.

    “The interview went really smooth,” said Housworth, who noted she wasn’t surprised she received an immediate job offer from MEM Concessions.

    “I claimed it,” she said.

    Others claimed it too, including Laurel Williams of Atlanta. The Starbucks barista scored a position with Hojeij Branded Foods.

    “I was happy because this is the first table I went to,” she said. “The Airport is a busy place, and I know I can get more hours than what I can get right now, especially during the holiday season.”

    Each time employers made a hire, a loud whistle reverberated throughout the hall.

    For William Satisfield, the whistle became an all too familiar sound. That’s because the 30-year-old Hapeville resident hit the job jackpot, receiving offers for a management position from Hojeij Branded Foods, Willy’s Mexicana Grill and HMSHost in less than three hours.

    “I’m very excited,” he said. “I’m going to go home, have a drink and think about which one to accept.”

    Each year, the Airport Community Job Fair “gets better and better,” said chief organizer Chermaine Axam, ATL’s assistant manager for community affairs.

    “Every job fair builds upon the success of previous ones,” she said. “We continue to add features to better satisfy the needs of Airport community employers and, of course, job seekers. This year, we added laptop computer stations and a mobile career coach. It was amazing to watch the excitement in the room.”

    Historically, the world’s busiest airport has conducted job fairs in the spring. But the upward growth of the economy, coupled with ATL’s huge influx of passengers and the launch of its $6 billion capital improvement program ATLNext, prompted organizers to add a fall event.

    Unlike its spring counterpart, the fall fair included a wider variety of positions, from cashiers and cooks to administrators and accountants. Those interested in project manager and engineering jobs found a number of options as well, particularly as ATLNext moves forward.

    Interim Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council Jr. strolled through the job fair just after 10 a.m. He met with employers and job seekers, and he underscored the event’s importance in ATL’s ongoing focus on the community.

    “Beyond being a major transportation hub, Hartsfield-Jackson serves the community by hosting events such as the job fair,” he said. “We’re helping connect employers with potential employees and, in the process, tapping into a tremendous pool of talent across our region.”

    Many had high praise for ATL’s inaugural fall fair.

    “I love this job fair,” said Demetria Bacote of Hartsville, S.C. She obtained on-the-spot employment with MEM Concessions. “It was a breeze and very welcoming.”

    Hartsfield-Jackson’s first fall job fair draws big crowd, high praise
    From top, thousands of job seekers packed the Georgia International Convention Center for ATL’s first fall job fair. The free event featured more than 60 employers. Interim Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council Jr. walked through the fair just after 10 a.m., meeting employers and prospective employees. New this year was WorkSource Atlanta Career Coach, a state-of-the-art mobile unit that helped job seekers find sustainable employment. Below left, William Satisfield landed three offers in less than three hours at the fair. “I’m very excited,” he said. Photos by Decisive Moment Photojournalism
  • Hartsfield-Jackson hosts closing ceremony for inaugural Pianos for Peace Festival

    Hartsfield-Jackson hosts closing ceremony for inaugural Pianos for Peace Festival

    Hartsfield-Jackson hosts closing ceremony for inaugural Pianos for Peace Festival
    This was one of two Pianos for Peace available for anyone to play in September at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

    By Shane Blatt
    Senior Public Relations Manager

    The inaugural Pianos for Peace Festival ended on a high note Sept. 30, with a closing ceremony marked by musical performances and group dancing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

    The event, held in the Domestic Terminal atrium, capped the month-long project aimed at uniting communities by building peace through music and education. The initiative featured 29 hand-painted pianos strategically placed in heavily trafficked areas throughout metro Atlanta – including two at ATL’s Domestic and International terminals – for everyone to enjoy.

    “All month long, Airport guests – amateurs and aficionados alike – took to the keyboard and played,” interim Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council Jr. told event attendees. “Whether the players were musically inclined or not, the notes resonated, bringing smiles and joy to guests at the world’s busiest airport.”

    Council was joined by Pianos for Peace founder and CEO Malek Jandali, a Syrian native who has seen firsthand the effects of war.

    “We are honored to partner with this Airport and with this staff,” Jandali said. “This is just the beginning because we are going to have programs throughout the year.”

    In fact, the organization is looking to make art accessible to everyone year-round. To that end, it is donating pianos to nursing homes, health care facilities, community centers and even local schools.

    Two of Hartsfield-Jackson’s Partners in Education schools, Jackson Elementary and Tri-Cities High schools, were recipients of these pianos. Both schools’ performing arts groups were on hand Sept. 30 to sing before the crowd. Also performing was Camila Gomez, a young pianist and the daughter of an artist commissioned to paint one of the pianos.

    Musicians from Clay’s Music from the Heart concluded the program with a rendition of “Heal the World.”

    Q&A with Malek Jandali

    The founder and CEO of Pianos for Peace spoke about the first year of the initiative – and what’s to come.

    Q: What was the impetus for Pianos for Peace?

    A: As a composer and pianist, I have had the privilege of traveling all over the world to share my music, and I have seen firsthand the transformative power of music and how it can bring communities together, encourage children’s creativity and act as a bridge of peace between people. I wanted to bring that to our Atlanta communities, especially at a time when music and arts programs are being cut from schools. I truly believe that by making music and the arts accessible to all, we can transform communities and make a positive impact on children’s futures and honor our motto of “building peace through music and education.”

    Q: What’s been the impact of Pianos for Peace since it started?

    A: In collaboration with our partners and ambassadors for peace such as Hartsfield-Jackson (the busiest airport in the world), The King Center, MARTA, The Rialto, Atlanta Beltline and the Center for Civil and Human Rights, we have impacted more than 2 million Atlantans and visitors. In addition, we estimate that we will be able to reach approximately 500,000 more people through our yearlong programs that engage local musicians to perform on the donated pianos in their new permanent homes.

    Q: This year, the pianos are in 29 locations throughout metro Atlanta. What’s in store for next year?

    A: 2016 was the first annual Pianos for Peace Festival, and we are so proud to have had partnerships with these 29 partners and ambassadors for peace — such an amazing accomplishment for our hard-working team of volunteers and board members. We are already planning for next year’s festival and with the support of the community, look forward to having 50 pianos across metro Atlanta that anyone and everyone can enjoy!

    Q: When you learned that the world’s busiest airport wanted to participate in the program, what were your thoughts?

    A: Of course, the board of directors and I were thrilled to have the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson, join efforts with us as an ambassador for peace. The exposure and impact that our Pianos for Peace have had in the Airport is tremendous — we get emails on a daily basis from travelers all over the world who saw the pianos at the Airport and were encouraged to use their talents to spread peace in their own communities. That is so rewarding. We look forward to a continued, long-term relationship with Hartsfield-Jackson in the coming years.

    Q: I understand two pianos are being donated to two of our Partner in Education schools. Tell me about that.

    A: Yes! When Hartsfield-Jackson suggested donating two of our Pianos for Peace to Tri-Cities High School and James A. Jackson Elementary School, we were glad to make sure that these deserving schools received pianos. The donated Pianos for Peace have been delivered, and we are already planning workshops and concerts to engage the students, teachers and staff. This is exactly in alignment with our motto of Building Peace through Music and Education, and we are thrilled that two of Hartsfield-Jackson’s Partner in Education Schools received our Pianos for Peace. We can’t wait to see what the students do on their new pianos.

    Q: What do you hope for Pianos for Peace moving forward?

    A: We hope to continue with our mission of making the arts accessible to all. Our goal is to be the largest public arts display in the city, bringing communities together through music with the largest symphony being played in the streets of Atlanta on 50-plus pianos. Our annual Pianos for Peace Gala will be held on Feb. 22, 2017, at the Center for Civil and Human Rights, and we invite everyone to join us and support our goal of building peace through music and education.

     

  • Hartsfield-Jackson gears up for fall job fair

    Hartsfield-Jackson gears up for fall job fair

    Hartsfield-Jackson gears up for fall job fair
    The Atlanta Police Department will be among the 40-plus Airport community employers on hand at the fall job fair.

    By Shane Blatt
    Senior Public Relations Manager

    Looking for a job in accounting or engineering? Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is hosting an Airport Community Job Fair in October.

    Like its spring counterpart, the fall fair will feature more than 40 Airport community employers, with 500-plus jobs up for grabs. But unlike the spring fair, this event has a wider variety of jobs available. Positions include cashiers, servers and cooks as well as administrators, managers and accountants.

    The fair will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Georgia International Convention Center. It is free, although on-site parking will cost $5. Organizers encourage attendees to take MARTA and connect to the free Hartsfield-Jackson SkyTrain to the GICC.

    For the past few years, Hartsfield-Jackson has conducted an annual job fair in early spring. Based on the upward growth of the economy and the huge influx of passengers through the Airport, organizers decided to host another job fair ahead of the holiday season.

    To register as a job seeker, go to atljobfair.eventbrite.com.

    To register as an employer, go to atljf16.eventbrite.com.

     

  • ATL hosts launch of national campaign against illegal wildlife trafficking

    ATL hosts launch of national campaign against illegal wildlife trafficking

    ATL hosts launch of national campaign against illegal wildlife trafficking
    WildAid ambassador Michael Cudlitz of The Walking Dead speaks during the press event.

    By Shane Blatt
    Senior Public Relations Manager

    Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) on Wednesday, Sept. 7 joined the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and conservation nonprofit group WildAid in launching a national campaign against illegal wildlife trade.

    Globally, wildlife trafficking is a $10 billion to $20 billion annual industry, ranking just behind human trafficking, weapons trafficking and drug trafficking. And the United States is one of the largest illegal wildlife markets in the world. This trade is often run by dangerous criminal syndicates who traffic animal parts such as rhino horn, elephant ivory and tiger bones.

    “Hartsfield-Jackson stands adamantly against illegal wildlife trade,” interim Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council Jr. told onlookers at a press event in the Domestic Terminal. “As the world’s most traveled airport and a major international point of entry, our inspectors work tirelessly each day to keep such products out of this country. But there’s more we can — and must — do to stop this.”

    Council was joined by WildAid CEO Peter Knights, WildAid ambassador Michael Cudlitz of The Walking Dead, and Special Agent in Charge Luis Santiago of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife’s Southeast region.

    The campaign comes as a new survey shows a steep decline in the African elephant population, along with a dramatic drop in the number of rhinos, tigers, lions and sea turtles. Meanwhile, a recent poll commissioned by WildAid found that 80 percent of Americans know little or nothing about illegal wildlife trade in the U.S.

    Knights said WildAid wants to educate and boost public awareness in an effort to save the world’s endangered species.

    “We’re trying to popularize conservation and, at the same time, stigmatize consumption of wildlife products,” said Knights, who stood near a display of illegally trafficked items.

    A simultaneous press event took place at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Both ATL and LAX are major U.S. entry points where wildlife product seizures are common.

    “Learn about wildlife trafficking,” Council said, “so you can help us put a stop to it.”

    For more information, go to www.StopWildlifeTrafficking.org.

     

  • Inaugural Safety Fest attracts up to 350 as Hartsfield-Jackson educates, celebrates

    Inaugural Safety Fest attracts up to 350 as Hartsfield-Jackson educates, celebrates

    By Shane Blatt
    Senior Public Relations Manager

    Hartsfield-Jackson’s world-class safety culture was on display – literally – at the first-ever OneATL Safety Always Safety Fest on Wednesday, Aug. 24.

    The daylong event – with its series of presentations, demonstrations and exhibits – drew up to 350 people from across the Airport community. It featured the annual FOD Walk, followed by the Safety Expo, Safety Conference and Safety Awards luncheon at the Georgia International Convention Center.

    At the Safety Conference and Expo, representatives from the FAA, OSHA, Delta Air Lines, among other organizations, led sessions on everything from workplace hazards and food safety to inspections and ergonomics. During the session on unmanned aircraft systems, the FAA’s Peter K. Acevedo and Charles Phillips covered a broad range of topics, including regulations, emergency procedures and even the effects of weather on drones.

    “We had a great lineup of presentations and speakers,” said Derrick Crawley, one of the Safety Fest chairs. “It was extremely gratifying to observe the look on our attendees’ faces.”

    In addition to the sessions, the Atlanta Police Department and Southwest Airlines performed safety-related demonstrations. Southwest Technical Operations simulated a fuel tank rescue operation, pulling a mannequin out of small wooden structure and performing CPR.

    The day kicked off with the Airport’s annual FOD Walk. Nearly 90 employees participated in the event, canvassing the airfield in search of foreign object debris such as rocks, luggage straps and plastics.

    “FOD prevention not only helps us remain the world’s most efficient airport, but it also plays a major role in helping us remain one of the world’s safest airports,” interim Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council Jr. told the early-morning crowd.

    At the OneATL Excellence in Safety Awards luncheon, an all-star lineup of speakers zeroed in on safety.

    Andrea McLane, executive safety manager for the mayor’s office, reviewed the City of Atlanta’s initiatives to foster a world-class safety culture by focusing on the well-being of employees. Those efforts resulted in fewer than 1,000 workplace injury claims in 2015 — a first for the city.

    “Employee safety is not only a value, but it is a necessity here in the city of Atlanta,” McLane said. “We promote safety from the very top down, and it starts with the mayor.”

    McLane introduced the luncheon’s keynote speaker, Dr. Ken Wagner, who addressed behavioral safety.

    Wagner, vice president of Aubrey Daniels International, said behavioral safety pushes to achieve more than “the absence of an incident.” In fact, he said, there are only four ways to achieve such a feat.

    “Don’t’ do any work, don’t report anything, get lucky and work safely,” he said. “And only one of those is acceptable. Unfortunately, almost every organization has some balance between safe work and luck. So behavioral safety is that next piece that says, ‘What do we need people to do day in and day out to say, to talk about, to follow up on, to reinforce so people do the safe thing,’” he said.

    The luncheon culminated with the OneATL Excellence in Safety Awards, given to those who exemplify the Airport’s safety focus.

    Hartsfield-Jackson recognized Danny Boyd with the Foreign Object Debris Award; Samuel Priest with the General Safety Airside Award; Karina Albuna with the General Safety Landside Award; Department of Aviation maintenance with the Risk Management Safety Award; and Linda Hendrix with the Safety Leadership Award.

    Also at the event, ATL leaders presented the construction safety awards. Hartsfield-Jackson recognized New South Construction with the General Contractor Safety Award; FS 360 with the Subcontractor Safety Award; BRTU Construction with the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Safety Award; and Kissberg Construction with the Female Business Enterprise (FBE) Safety Award.

    Organizers are already planning for the next Safety Fest, set for August 2017. Exhibitors have already begun to commit to the 2017 event, and organizers have high hopes for even more participation.

    As for this year’s fest, the Department of Aviation’s Catrina Gilbert said a number of senior leaders gave it “two thumbs up.”

    “The overall goal of the event was to celebrate ATL’s safety culture and enhance the operational awareness and know-how of Airport employees,” said Gilbert, also a Safety Fest chair. “I have no doubt that we accomplished that goal.”

    Stephanie Creech contributed to this article. Have a story idea for the Department of Aviation’s intranet? Contact Senior Public Relations Manager Shane Blatt at shane.blatt@atl.com.

    Inaugural Safety Fest attracts up to 350 as Hartsfield-Jackson educates, celebrates
    Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport hosted the inaugural Safety Fest on Wednesday, Aug. 24 at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park. It drew some 350 people from across the Airport community. The four-part, daylong event featured demonstrations, exhibits and presentations designed to celebrate ATL’s safety culture and enhance the operational awareness of Airport employees. Employees even walked away with swanky swag bags. At the OneATL Excellence in Safety Awards luncheon (below left), keynote speaker Dr. Ken Wagner spoke about behavioral safety. Photos by Decisive Moment Photojournalism

     

  • Three-day conference focuses on sustainability

    Three-day conference focuses on sustainability

    Three-day conference focuses on sustainability

    By Shane Blatt
    Senior Public Relations Manager

    Sustainability and asset management took center stage Wednesday, June 22 at the kickoff of the second annual International Sustainable Asset Management (ISAM) Conference.

    The three-day conference, hosted by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in partnership with the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), serves as a platform for introducing best practices, showcasing new technologies, and offering training and networking opportunities within the sustainable asset management communities.

    For Hartsfield-Jackson, the conference underscores ATL’s commitment to environmental stewardship in its quest to become the greenest airport on the planet.

    “Our guiding principles are clear: We are laser-focused on striking an effective balance between environmental sustainability, economic stability as well as social responsibility,” interim Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council Jr. told dozens of conference attendees at the Georgia International Convention Center.

    That’s no easy feat. After all, as the world’s most traveled airport, Hartsfield-Jackson in 2015 handled more than 100 million passengers, the most of any other airport in a single year. Naturally, such high passenger counts put “stress and strain” on ATL’s facilities and assets, Council said.

    “But as usual, this team steps up to these kinds of challenges,” he said. “We welcome the chance to grow sustainably, balancing our constantly expanding operations with a deep commitment to preserving the environment.”

    The Airport has incorporated a series of green initiatives, from installing LED lighting on the airfield to retrofitting passenger terminal and concourse restrooms with low-flow water and toilet fixtures. ATL also has set in motion plans for the Green Acres ATL Energy Park. This first-of-its-kind facility will enable the recycling and reuse of 90 percent of the Airport’s waste.

    Over the next three days, the ISAM Conference will demonstrate the synergy between asset management and sustainability while recognizing the successes and challenges of integrating such practices globally and locally. Information sessions will highlight everything from sustainable operations and environmental awareness to total cost of ownership and professional development.

    Ultimately, Conference Chairman Aaron Davis said, ISAM 2016 hopes to engage the facility management, asset management and sustainability professions in a “close-knit discussion.”

    “What you’ll find is that we all have the same issues and the same problems, and having different solutions is important,” said Davis, ATL’s senior asset manager.

    The conference ends Friday morning with an information session about ATLNext, the Airport’s $6 billion capital improvement program, followed by an optional tour of Hartsfield-Jackson’s facilities.

     

  • Mayor, ATL leaders unveil Wall of Honor

    Mayor, ATL leaders unveil Wall of Honor

    By Shane Blatt
    Senior Public Relations Manager

    Amid a sea of red, white and blue, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed officially unveiled the U.S. Military Service Wall of Honor, a permanent tribute to the armed services, in a ceremony Thursday at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

    “As we approach our Independence Day weekend,” Mayor Reed said, “this extraordinary tribute is a timely, well-deserved recognition of all the veterans who have bravely served and sacrificed for the United States of America, from its founding to present.

    “I know this memorial will inspire millions of visitors, Americans as well as international residents, who depend on our military men and women for their safekeeping every day,” he said. “You can be sure that this Wall of Honor will be noticed, experienced and appreciated set near the atrium of the world’s most traveled airport.”

    Mayor Reed was joined by ATL leaders, including interim Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council Jr., as well as a host of dignitaries, decorated war veterans, and active service men and women.

    Attendees included Brigadier Gen. C. David Turner, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division; Gen. Joe Jarrard, head of the National Guard; Retired Maj. Gen. Tom Wessels; and Norris Connelly, a Tuskegee Airman. Officials with the Airport’s USO, which is about to mark its one-year anniversary, also were on hand.

    The program began with a moment of silence for the victims in Tuesday’s deadly attacks at the Istanbul Ataturk Airport. During his remarks, Council expressed condolences, saying “our hearts are with those victims – and their families – during this horrific act of terror.”

    In the aftermath of the attacks, Council said, Hartsfield-Jackson has ramped up the number of law enforcement officers and canine units throughout the Airport. That includes on roadways in front of ATL’s terminals.

    Like Mayor Reed, Council saluted the nation’s men and women in uniform, and he said the military tribute would be a testament to their invaluable contributions.

    The unveiling of the Wall of Honor, located in the northwest corridor leading into the Domestic Terminal’s atrium, marks the culmination of a year-long project coordinated between the Department of Aviation and stakeholders from various military organizations.

    Organizations represented in the stakeholders group include the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association, Korean War Veterans Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Montford Point Marine Association, Tuskegee Airmen, United Service Organizations Inc. and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

    The Wall of Honor, which measures some 25 feet by 11 feet, features a display of artifacts universal to the military experience. Among the items, encased in bronze and glass, are an American flag from 1889, an Army bugle from 1925 and a flight jacket from 1944.

    The display also includes digital monitors with a slide show of images of service men and women from all age ranges and racial backgrounds. The Wall of Honor was designed by Gary Super, who was instrumental in the design of the World of Coca-Cola interpretative displays as well as the newly remodeled Delta Flight Museum.

    Thursday’s ceremony coincided with an observance of Independence Day throughout Hartsfield-Jackson. As part of ATL’s second annual campaign, called “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Flying,” Assistant General Manager Greg Richardson offered remarks on Concourse A while Airport volunteers passed out candy, lapel pins and tri-color bracelets to traveling guests.

    At the International Terminal, Airport Senior Deputy General Manager Michael Smith welcomed members of the Georgia Consular Corps. These dignitaries provided floral arrangements and presented Smith with letters congratulating the United States in advance of its birthday.

    Mayor, ATL leaders unveil Wall of Honor
    Top, Attendees at the unveiling of the U.S. Military Service Wall of Honor included (from left) interim Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council Jr., Tuskegee Airman Norris Connelly, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Brigadier Gen. C. David Turner, USO CEO Mary Lou Austin and Gen. Joe Jarrard, among others. The wall features a display of artifacts universal to the military experience. Thursday’s ceremony coincided with an observance of Independence Day throughout Hartsfield-Jackson. It was part of ATL’s second annual campaign called “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Flying.” Photos by Decisive Moment Photojournalism

     

  • ATL officially welcomes Qatar Airways

    ATL officially welcomes Qatar Airways

    ATL officially welcomes Qatar Airways
    Atlanta Fire Rescue delivers a water-cannon salute as the plane, a super-jumbo Airbus A380, touched down and made its approach to the gate just after 4 p.m. Qatar Airways will use a Boeing 777-200LR for regular service on the daily, nonstop route from Atlanta to Doha.

    By Shane Blatt
    Senior Public Relations Manager

    Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) leaders on Wednesday officially welcomed the inaugural flight of Qatar Airways, which flew in the world’s largest passenger aircraft just for the occasion.

    Atlanta Fire Rescue delivered a water-cannon salute as the plane, a super-jumbo Airbus A380, touched down and made its approach to the gate just after 4 p.m. Qatar Airways will use a Boeing 777-200LR for regular service on the daily, nonstop route from Atlanta to Doha.

    Interim Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council Jr., Airport Senior Deputy General Manager Michael Smith and other Hartsfield-Jackson leaders greeted the Qatar Airways delegation, which included Gunter Saurwein, senior vice president of the Americas, and Rossen Dimitrov, senior vice president of customer experience.

    “Expanding opportunities for our customers and growing our international reach is one of our top goals,” Council said before the flight landed. “Qatar allows us to accomplish just that.”

    Indeed, Hartsfield-Jackson is focusing on international travel as an important sector for expansion, not only to maintain ATL’s position as the world’s most traveled airport, but also to further Atlanta’s ability to attract global businesses.

    Qatar Airways is critical to those efforts, as the airline offers a gateway to the Middle East, the fastest growing region in terms of air service.

    As part of the ceremony, which included a photo op and gift exchange, members of the media toured the Airbus A380. On board, they interviewed Hartsfield-Jackson and Qatar dignitaries while checking out the luxe accommodations in first class and business class.

    The double-deck, wide-body jet seats more than 500 passengers.

    Atlanta is Qatar Airways’ third new destination to the United States this year, following the start of services to Los Angeles in January and Boston in March. In total, Qatar Airways serves 15 U.S. cities, including Atlanta.

    Qatar Airways is one of the youngest and fastest-growing airlines in the world. It connects to more than 150 destinations daily.

    ATL officially welcomes Qatar Airways
    Qatar Airways flew in a super-jumbo Airbus A380 to mark its inaugural flight to Atlanta on Wednesday. The airline will use a Boeing 777-200LR for regular service on the daily, nonstop route from Atlanta to Doha. Photos by Decisive Moment Event Photojournalism

     

  • ATL signs Sister Airport Agreement with TLV

    ATL signs Sister Airport Agreement with TLV

    ATL signs Sister Airport Agreement with TLV
    Andy Gobeil, ATL’s deputy director of communications, emcees the MoU signing ceremony Tuesday at the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal. Dignitaries included, from left, Candace Byrd, chief of staff for Mayor Kasim Reed; Roosevelt Council Jr., interim airport general manager; Gen. Shmuel Zakay, TLV managing director; and Ambassador Judith Varnai Shorer, Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States. Photo by Shane Blatt

    By Shane Blatt
    Senior Public Relations Manager

    Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) officials on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with their counterparts from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), ushering in a new era of friendship and cooperation between the world’s most traveled airport and the largest international airport in Israel.

    The Sister Airport Agreement – signed by ATL’s Interim General Manager Roosevelt Council Jr. and TLV Managing Director Gen. Shmuel Zakay – opens the door to a steady exchange of ideas and information to boost economic growth and development as well as international understanding.

    “Beyond making two already-amazing airports better, this agreement will help strengthen the ties that exist between our two great nations,” Council told a group of dignitaries at the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal. “All of us at Hartsfield-Jackson as well as the City of Atlanta look forward to an effective, productive relationship for many years to come.”

    Gen. Zakay noted that the two airports share many of the same experiences – and challenges. Working together, he said, aviation leaders can enhance safety and security, customer service, environmental management and even future master plans.

    “I can promise you that we will do our best in order to keep the cooperation and momentum between the airports,” Gen. Zakay said. “I would like to thank the mayor of Atlanta, Mr. Kasim Reed, the City Council of Atlanta and the Atlanta airport community for hosting us during this historic moment.”

    He also said it’s time to resume direct flights between Atlanta and Tel Aviv, a sentiment echoed by Ambassador Judith Varnai Shorer, Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States.

    Candace Byrd, chief of staff for Mayor Reed, said the region is particularly proud of its strong Israeli presence, which includes a number of Israeli-owned businesses that support more than 1,000 Georgians. Israel is also a key trading partner to Georgia — with a value of $182 million in 2015.

    This is the third Memorandum of Understanding that ATL officials have signed with sister airports. In April, ATL leaders signed a similar agreement with officials from Romero International Airport in El Salvador. And in 2015, Airport leaders forged an agreement with Felix-Houphouet-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

     

  • In ‘lasting tribute’ to beloved Airport leader, Hartsfield-Jackson dedicates Stogner Hill

    In ‘lasting tribute’ to beloved Airport leader, Hartsfield-Jackson dedicates Stogner Hill

    In ‘lasting tribute’ to beloved Airport leader, Hartsfield-Jackson dedicates Stogner Hill
    Family members attend Thursday’s dedication of Stogner Hill, which honors the late James Stogner. Among those in attendance are Pat Stogner, his wife of 46 years, and his son and daughter-in-law, Shane and Vivian Stogner. Photo by Shane Blatt

    By Shane Blatt
    Senior Public Relations Manager

    Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) leaders on Thursday officially renamed Radar Hill as Stogner Hill in honor of the late James Stogner, the retired assistant general manager who devoted more than 40 years to the world’s most traveled airport.

    Before Stogner’s family, including widow Pat Stogner, Aviation General Manager Miguel Southwell led the dedication of the memorial, calling it a “lasting tribute to someone who gave his soul to the Airport.”

    “He really gave of himself,” Southwell told the small crowd gathered at the base of hill. Still, Southwell said, it’s “just a token” to the legacy of the once-beloved operations, safety and maintenance manager.

    During the ceremony, airplanes roared down the runway in the distance. For Stogner’s oldest son, Shane, that sound was all too appropriate for the occasion.

    “We listen to the planes go by, and we almost think it’s an interruption,” Shane Stogner said. “But there was no better sound to my father. The two chances I had to sit out here, in this spot with him, it was the calmest I ever saw him. He could sit here for hours. On behalf of my mother and my family, I can’t say how much this means to us.”

    Just after 9:15 a.m., Airport leaders unveiled the memorial, a bronze plaque atop a slab of gray granite. Surrounded by flowers and with the air traffic control tower in the distance, the plaque noted Stogner’s “tireless devotion to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport serving as a manager, mentor and friend to countless men and women.”

    Those words rang true to Department of Aviation employee Becky Robinson, who worked for Stogner for 28 years.

    “He was the best boss in the world,” Robinson said. “He did things behind the scenes. Any personal problem you had, you could go to him. I once had car problems. He called maintenance to help me get my car started.”

    Director of Operations Kim Wade said Stogner “loved the Airport,” so much so that he often worked from 7 a.m. until midnight or later, seven days a week.

    And frequently, he hung out on the hill, parking his car on the site that overlooked the airfield. There, he would monitor plane traffic and listen to air traffic control, letting his employees handle crisis events “until he felt the need to jump in.”

    “When he made decisions, it was always what was best for the Airport,” she said. “It was an honor to have known him.”

    In ‘lasting tribute’ to beloved Airport leader, Hartsfield-Jackson dedicates Stogner Hill
    Just after 9:15 a.m. Thursday, Airport leaders unveiled the memorial, a bronze plaque atop a slab of gray granite. Photo by Shane Blatt