Category: ATL Stories

Innovation Forum envisions airports of tomorrow
Emerging technology expert Ian Khan urges change at the fourth annual AAAE Airport Innovation Forum July 17 at InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta. © 2018 Decisive Moment Events

By Anika Robertson
Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

Airport leaders preparing for self-driving cars, virtual reality and artificial intelligence gathered to share what’s in store for passengers in the not-so-distant future as Hartsfield-Jackson hosted the fourth annual AAAE Airport Innovation Forum July 16-18.

“Long before Hartsfield-Jackson became the world’s busiest airport, or most efficient airport, or the best airport for dining and shopping, it was a hub of innovation,” interim Airport General Manager Balram “B” Bheodari told attendees at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta during the July 17 welcome.

Bheodari said Hartsfield-Jackson remains on the forefront of change since ATL’s revolutionary design of its passenger terminal in 1980. Nearly 40 years later, he said, the Airport continues to search for new ways to enhance operational efficiencies and improve the customer experience.

With 220 attendees, the conference held sessions featuring “smart” technology in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, biometrics lessons and even an Airport Shark Tank.

During the forum’s opening keynote, emerging technology expert and author Ian Khan stressed that airports must activate a value-creation attitude.

“We always talk about the future as if it is not here yet … the future is tomorrow,” Khan said to industry executives. “All of you here are creating and making decisions that will shape everything that will happen in your facilities and in your world tomorrow. “

The three-time TEDx speaker is convinced that robots, big data and automation will drive the future.

ATL Innovation and Performance Manager Dawn Gregory said the Airport’s innovative ideas can emerge from a host of sources.

“What I’ve tried to do is create an ecosystem of collaborators ranging from incubators, educational institutions … and organizations to keep a pulse check of what’s going on,” Gregory said during the airport roundtable.

ATL’s innovation team is exploring multimodal transportation connections throughout the up-and-coming Aerotropolis Atlanta, augmented reality for vision-impaired passengers, and vertical takeoff and landing of aircraft, which Uber Air is developing.

Innovation, Bheodari said, questions conventional wisdom, seeks solutions and “inspires us to look beyond what is, to imagine what is possible.”

“We must look out on the horizon,” he said, “and explore ways to deliver new value to our customers.”
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July 19, 2018
ATL honors military veterans for pre-Independence Day celebration
Five-year-old Simon Noellin, pictured with Director of Guest Relations Steve Mayers and Maj. Jimmy Bellamy of the Georgia Army National Guard, kicked off the June 28 event with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. © 2018 Decisive Moment Photography

By Blakeley Bartee
Public Affairs Intern

In the shade of a colossal U.S. flag hung from the Domestic Terminal atrium, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport kicked off its fourth annual “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Flying” campaign June 28.

The pre-Independence Day celebration, which ran simultaneously with a press conference at the International Terminal, saluted active military service members and honored veterans with a pinning ceremony.

“This celebration promises pomp and patriotism, but it’s also a sober reminder that our nation still faces conflicts across the globe, with our brave men and women in uniform fighting to defend our freedom,” Airport Senior Deputy General Manager Michael Smith said before an audience of veterans, dignitaries, guests and employees.

Smith was joined at the podium by retired Maj. Gen. David Bockel, Col. Scott Allen and Mary Lou Austin, CEO and president of USO Georgia.

“Through times of peace and times of conflict, the USO at Hartsfield-Jackson has proudly served as a place of respite, where service members and their families are welcomed, respected and appreciated,” Smith said.

The USO center at Hartsfield-Jackson, established in 1977, was the first center to open inside a U.S. airport. Today, USO Georgia serves more than 10 million men and women.

“Georgia is the 10th most patriotic state,” said Austin, citing a newly released study. “Well, I am proclaiming today that the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the most patriotic airport.”

Bockel recognized Hartsfield-Jackson for its role in transporting U.S. soldiers during the holidays. He recounted the story of a Vietnam War soldier who, with the help of Delta Air Lines in Atlanta, made it home for Christmas in 1967, a time when major air carriers had difficulty taking flights from Vietnam.

“I can live in peace and harmony in my land because of the men and women who are willing to do this for America,” USO member Pat Solomon said. “And I thank each and every one who ever put on a uniform.”

Throughout the week, ATL volunteers will distribute glow sticks that illuminate in red, white and blue while Airport musicians pay tribute with patriotic tunes.

Meanwhile, on the International Terminal, the celebration had a distinctly global flair.

Interim Deputy General Manager and Chief Financial Officer Greg Richardson welcomed members of the Georgia Consular Corps. The ceremony included representatives from India, Canada, Ecuador, Haiti, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Israel and Jamaica.

These Consular Corps members provided floral arrangements and presented Director of International Affairs Alrene Barr with letters congratulating the United States on its Independence Day. The floral arrangements will be displayed in the International Terminal throughout the week. El Salvador, whose dignitary was unable to attend the ceremony, provided an arrangement as well.

As was the case in the Domestic Terminal, Richardson led a pinning ceremony of military veterans.

“When you see this pin,” Richardson said, “know that your service to the nation is deeply appreciated. We thank you.”

Senior Public Relations Manager Shane Blatt contributed to this report.
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July 3, 2018
ATL honors Caribbean countries, heritage at annual celebration
The Caribbean Dancers of Atlanta move to the beat June 22. Photo by Devin Pascoe

By Anika Robertson
Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

Hartsfield-Jackson hosted a festive tribute with food and fanfare June 22 to celebrate Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

The rich heritage and significant contributions of Caribbean people runs the gamut, with noteworthy achievements in the arts, music, education, commerce, science, sports and food, Director of International Affairs Alrene Barr told dozens gathered for the third annual event at the International Terminal.

“Beyond its distinctive culture and world-class cuisine, calling attention to Caribbean heritage is important for another reason,” the Jamaica native said. “Hartsfield-Jackson has some 32 flights a day to the Caribbean, making it an important regional destination. We will continue to work with our airline partners to build air service to this region.”

Barr and other ATL staff welcomed Georgia Consular Corps members and other dignitaries of Caribbean descent, who shared the distinctiveness of their homelands and urged travelers to visit.

Attending members included Astra Armbrister-Rolle, consul general of the Bahamas; Marva Jacobs, honorary consul of Guyana; David Cutting, honorary consul of Barbados; Dr. Clover Hall, Atlanta Jamaican Association vice president; and Saurel Quettan, Georgia Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce president.

Music, dancing and food elevated the experience with performances by steel drum musician Nico G. and the Caribbean Dancers of Atlanta. Passengers and guests alike tried sumptuous bites from Papi’s Cuban Grill.

National Caribbean-American Heritage Month passed in 2006 to recognize the “significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States.”

More than 250,000 people in Georgia identify as Caribbean or Caribbean-American.
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June 26, 2018
ATL ramps up for busy summer travel season
Standing next to a table of prohibited carry-on items, Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr. discusses preparation for the busy summer travel season during the May 22 press conference.

By Anika Robertson
Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

The world’s busiest and most efficient airport is prepared for the 1.7 million travelers expected to navigate through ATL over the Memorial Day weekend, the official kickoff to the busy summer season.

“As you know, the Memorial Day holiday weekend is the prelude to what is always a robust season of travel,” Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr. said at a press conference May 22. He was joined by officials from the Transportation Security Administration as well as U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Council said in preparation for this weekend, the Airport is ramping up staffing levels. That includes additional Guest Relations representatives, operations staff, and police and emergency crews during the holiday period, which runs from Thursday, May 24 to Tuesday, May 29.

According to TSA projections, the heaviest passenger volume days will occur Thursday, Friday and Monday, with 88,306 travelers expected to be screened Thursday, 91,725 on Friday and 84,537 on Monday. This year to date, ATL’s biggest single-day passenger screening was May 11, with 84,145.

Mary Leftridge Byrd, TSA federal security director at Hartsfield-Jackson, said her team remains focused on the critical mission of safety and security.

“We are deploying state-of-the-art technology and training to detect dangerous and prohibited items,” Leftridge Byrd said.

Travelers are advised to remove food, powders and other items that may clutter bags and obstruct images from X-ray machines. TSA confiscates about 1,500 pounds of prohibited items per month at Hartsfield-Jackson. That figure swells to 1 ton per month during the summer season, said TSA spokesman Mark Howell.

For added security, four additional K-9 teams are in place for screenings and explosives, bringing ATL’s total to 13.

With increased traffic and ATLNext, the multibillion-dollar capital improvement program underway, ATL passengers are advised to arrive at the Airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure for domestic flights and three hours in advance for international flights.

Visit atl.com for updates.
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May 23, 2018

ATL honors employees in annual art program

During the May 17 Airport Employee Art Program awards reception, winner Annalie Harris shares a smile in front of her winning work, “Koi on Tar Paper.”

By Anika Robertson
Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

For the fourth consecutive year, Hartsfield-Jackson honored talented employees who submitted artwork to the National Arts Program exhibit.

Interim Deputy General Manager and Chief Financial Officer Greg Richardson expressed awe for the level of quality and range of artistic expression from staff and their family members this year, which were displayed on Concourse T from Nov. 17 through May 17.

“I’m proud of the role we play in bringing public recognition to your gifts by hosting this exhibit,” Richardson said on May 16 to dozens of Airport artists and staff in the Domestic Terminal atrium.

“Just think about it: More people will have viewed your work here at the Airport than the art displayed at the High Museum over the same period of time.”

Artists and their families enjoyed a welcome reception along with treats and prizes for the best works, which were judged by Atlanta artists Tori Tinsley and Tom Haney.

Richardson told the group they should be proud of “enhancing the Airport environment” as artists as well as ATL employees.

“You should all take pride in the work you do to provide passengers with world-class service every day,” Richardson said. “Your dedication and commitment keeps our operation running smoothly for the benefit of more than 103 million passengers each year.”

Airport Art Program Manager Ben Austin also praised the artists who ranged from youth to seniors.

“As a practicing curator, I know how the creative process can develop greater connections and how learning new techniques and refining your artistic voice can provide deeper meaning to many aspects of life,” Austin said.

Annalie Harris won in the teen category for her work, “Koi on Tar Paper.” The 15-year-old, whose father works for AATC, says it’s been a big honor to place in the competition, as she always wanted her art displayed at ATL.

My dad encouraged me,” Harris said. “I love the [Airport] art so much, so it was a really cool opportunity.”

Austin also announced plans to purchase 11 works from the exhibit to display in Department of Aviation offices. “These exhibits have fostered a greater sense of community here at the Airport while also showcasing the diversity and talents of our massive workforce to the traveling public,” Austin said.

ATL’s partnership with the National Arts program will return in the fall. Austin and fellow Program Manager David Vogt are already looking forward to more great art from our ATL family.

2017 National Arts Program Award winners are listed below:

YOUTH (12 and under)	Winner	Title of Work
First place	Ayodeji Adekeye	“Beautiful Africa”
Second place	Aliya Applin	“Pretty in Pink”
Third place	Kendrlyn Pitts	“Meeting a Furry Friend”

TEEN (13 – 18)	Winner	Title of Work
Art Education Award	Annalie Harris	“Koi on Tar Paper”
First place	Shania Stokley	“Bantu”

AMATEUR	Winner	Title of Work
First place	Pascal Bernier	“Fun Run”
Second place	Harvey Travis	“Crane”
Third place	Ken Reil	“Cabin in the Woods”

INTERMEDIATE	Winner	Title of Work
First place	Valerie Ralph	“Hand Stitched Nat King Cole”
Second place	Enyo Dackey	“Freedom”
Third place	Kay Hall	“Antartica I”

PROFESSIONAL	Winner	Title of Work
First place	Jonathan Brent Smart	“Before it All Begins”
Second place	Valerie Lyles	“Washington D.C. Back Hall”
Third place	Annie Hutchins	“Wanderluster”

BEST OF SHOW	Winner	Title of Work
First place	Kenneth Mann	“Now Thy Lay Me Down to Sleep”

May 18, 2018

ATL’s Global Runway hits stride in 2nd year
By Anika Robertson
Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

Fresh off Met Gala fever, Atlanta tastemakers gathered at the world’s busiest airport to view, shop and share curated looks at the second annual Global Runway.

Drawing hundreds, the fashion event May 16 showcased ATL Skypointe, a program designed for guests to shop, dine and explore more than 300 retail, restaurant and service venues at Hartsfield-Jackson. The program generated more than $1 billion in gross sales in 2016.

Concessions Marketing Manager Pam Simmons called Global Runway a success, with 3.4 million social media impressions and counting.

“While the mission to increase awareness of ATL Skypointe remained the same [as last year’s debut], we aimed to do it on a bigger scale,” said Simmons, who organized the event at the International Terminal.

Hosted by InStyle Magazine editor and fashion influencer Kahlana Barfield, Global Runway featured spring/summer 2018 collections from Brooks Brothers, Spanx, Sean John and ExOfficio. In addition, a photo/video booth, silent auction, massages and various retail pop-up shops rounded out the experience.

Bids for the silent auction benefited Bert’s Big Adventure, a local nonprofit founded by radio personality Bert Weiss that takes children with chronic and terminal illnesses on a Disney World vacation.

Bert’s Big Adventure participant Kennedy Morgan found her stride modeling a navy Brooks Brothers dress.

“She’s a beautiful young lady who is so strong,” Simmons said of the 12-year-old. “It made all of us so happy to be able to create an experience for her that she will never forget.”

Attendees wore their own statement-worthy looks – from designer patent leather stilettos to colorful satin robes – while ATL brought its own fashion forward with two Airport-themed shirts, one of which was hand-designed by ATL Digital Marketing Specialist Devin Pascoe.

10 Squared CEO Angela Watts, who produced the event, brought in New York-based Barfield to host and local artist Stephanie Gentry to sketch fashion silhouettes of attendees.

We wanted to incorporate some different experiences, Watts said, adding that the expansion of film and television in the metro area has played a key role in the vibrant community.

“At this point, Atlanta is ready for fashion,” Watts said.

Indeed, as ATL Skypointe’s diversity of retail offerings at every price point ensures there is something for everyone, Simmons said.

“People know that we are the world’s busiest and most traveled,” Simmons said. “But we aim to make them also see that we are more than just an airport. We aim to curate the traveler’s experience from the time they set foot in the Airport to the time they board their flight.”
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May 17, 2018
ATL’s Bring Your Child to Work Day blends education, fun
Young “Propellers” explore the Delta Flight Museum during ATL’s Bring Your Child to Work Day May 1. © 2018 Decisive Moment Events

By Anika Robertson
Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

Nearly 150 children skipped school for a day of hands-on education at the world’s busiest and most efficient airport.

It was all part of ATL’s Bring Your Child to Work Day, an initiative that encourages youngsters to learn about their parents’ jobs and other careers throughout the aviation industry.

As part of the day’s activities May 1, students ages 6-17 visited several Airport facilities and witnessed a K-9 demonstration from the Atlanta Police Department Bomb Unit at ATL’s North Cargo building. Students were segmented into three groups by age, with each following a specific itinerary.

The “Propellers,” ages 6 to 9, toured the Delta Flight Museum and visited ATL’s Centralized Command and Control Center. The “Aviators,” ages 10 to 13, toured the airfield and visited ATL’s Fire Station 33 to learn about fire equipment and response procedures. The “Jetsetters,” ages 14 to 17, toured North America’s tallest FAA air traffic control tower and participated in emergency training exercises at the Delta Air Lines’ training center.

The 25th anniversary of Bring Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day fell on April 27, but local school testing forced ATL to move its event to a later date. As with the national program, the goal of ATL’s Bring Your Child to Work Day is to inspire youth to dream big and believe in themselves.

“This employee-facilitated event serves as a model for what our children can achieve in their future careers,” said Community Affairs Manager Tracy Gilbert, the event’s organizer.

“In other words, the kids see it so they can be it.”

Alex Elling, a young “Aviator,” touted the program as “fun” and “amazing.”

“The coolest part of today was being able to go on the runway,” said Elling, a first-time participant. “[We drove] beside the planes that are being fixed. You can see how big they really are in comparison to seeing a dot in the sky.”

When the seventh-grader grows up, he wants to work at ATL like his mom in capital finance.

But for now, Elling has homework: to write a paper on his “exciting” day at the Airport to share with his class.
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May 3, 2018
ATL’s Good Neighbor program aids in fight against flu
The Good Neighbor program features 10 characters representing travelers of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.

By Shane Blatt
Senior Public Relations Manager

Wash your hands frequently. Cover your mouth when you sneeze.

Those simple messages, presented as life-size cartoon cutouts, fan out across the world’s busiest airport. There are 200 in all, representing travelers young and old, business and leisure, and foreign and domestic.

They’re part of ATL’s health-focused Good Neighbor program, the brainchild of Innovation and Strategic Business Development Manager Doug Strachan.

“You have to find a way to break through the clutter,” Strachan said. “People are focused on getting to their gate … and they’ve learned to ignore. The idea was to make these life-size and make people do a double take. And then to have enough of [the characters] out there with enough variety that by the time [passengers] get from Point A to Point B, they’ve seen them five or six times. And by then, they’ve got the message.”

The cutouts rolled out three weeks ago, but the idea was born eight years ago, Strachan said.

At the time, the H1N1 pandemic prompted worldwide concern among health organizations.

Strachan, working in coordination with local artist Jack Davis of Mad magazine fame, developed 10 distinct characters as a visual reminder that good hygiene keeps the flu at bay.

But Good Neighbor faced bad timing and was ultimately shelved.

Strachan and an ad hoc team consisting of Department of Aviation colleagues Paul Brown, Jai Ferrell, Jorge Cortez, Chris Warner and LeAndrea Holliday banded together to quickly review, approve and breathe new life into the program during this year’s flu, a virulent strain that has swept the nation.

The life-size cutouts will circulate until May and possibly longer, given the CDC warnings of a second wave of flu.

“Drug-resistant germs are a serious problem,” Strachan said. “We’re trying to do our part to keep everyone safe.”
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April 24, 2018
Wings for Autism opens new horizons in 3rd year at ATL
ATL’s third annual Wings for Autism on April 11 attracted some 150 autistic individuals and their families.
As part of the day’s events, participants boarded and toured a Delta flight.

By Shane Blatt
Senior Public Relations Manager

Some 150 autistic individuals and their family members experienced the hustle and bustle of air travel – without being 30,000 feet up – at the third annual Wings for Autism at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Wings for Autism, a national initiative of The Arc, is an airport dress rehearsal program designed to introduce – and acclimate – autistic individuals to the everyday sights and sounds of airports.

“We recognize the world’s busiest airport can be a bit intimidating for some of our passengers, so we welcome this opportunity to offer a realistic, but relaxed, experience,” Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr. told a packed room at a press conference April 11 on Concourse T.

Council was joined by Georgia Sen. Nan Orrock, Arc Georgia State Director Stacey Ramirez, Delta pilot Erich Ries and a host of other Airport personnel at the event, which coincided with National Autism Awareness Month.

Orrock said over the past four years, state legislators have directed an additional $21.8 million toward autism services and support. With federal and other funds, it totals nearly $72.8 million, she said.

“It’s not enough, is it?” Orrock asked. “The needs are pervasive. The needs are deep. The needs are going to continue to grow, so your voices need to continue to grow … we need your voices at the state Capitol.”

As part of the day’s activities, participants, who ranged in age from 3 to 30 years old, navigated the Airport, underwent security screening, and even boarded and toured a Delta plane.

The Arc works with airports nationwide to host local Wings for Autism events as part of an effort to build awareness and training opportunities, not just for individuals with autism, but for airport, airline and TSA personnel as well.

To date, 13,000 individuals with autism or other intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as more than 4,500 families, have participated in the program nationwide. Including ATL, 47 Airports have hosted Wings for Autism events.

Next year’s event will be called Wings for All as part of an effort to include others with disabilities, said ATL Guest Relations Manager Carol Gaddis.

“Hartsfield-Jackson constantly looks for ways to make the travel experience accessible to everyone,” said Gaddis, the event’s coordinator. “Wings for All simply reflects that commitment.”
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April 18, 2018
ATL celebrates Atlanta Hawks’ five-decade run with art exhibit
ATL and Atlanta Hawks officials celebrate opening of Atlanta Hawks exhibit at Hartsfield-Jackson’s Domestic Terminal atrium April 9. © 2018 Decisive Moment Events

By Anika Robertson
Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

ATL and Atlanta Hawks leaders cut a ribbon April 9 to officially open an art exhibit at the Airport commemorating the 50^th anniversary of the iconic NBA franchise.

This exhibit features photographs and artifacts that trace the Atlanta Hawk’s evolution and honor its “profound impact,” Airport Senior Deputy General Manager Michael Smith told dozens in the Domestic Terminal atrium.

Atlanta Hawks jerseys of four top players – “Pistol Pete” Maravich, Lou Hudson, Dikembe Mutombo and Dominique Wilkins – are featured in the installation, coordinated by the Airport Art program and located behind the west elevators in the atrium. Other artifacts include trophies, vintage photos and an array of media credentials.

Legendary Hall of Famer Wilkins said he’s grateful that the Hawks’ legacy is now being appreciated.

“It was a pleasure coming from the University of Georgia to help build this rich history,” he said.

Veteran Hawks announcer Steve Holman, who hasn’t missed a game in more than 33 years, said they’ve shared some amazing history, adding that “management has great plans for the future.”

The Atlanta Hawks cheerleaders performed during the ceremony while team mascot Harry the Hawk teased fans and encouraged goofy photos.

Atlanta Hawks Owner Jami Gertz said Atlanta has been welcoming after she, her husband and partners obtained ownership in 2015.

As for the future, “we are looking to bring the Naismith Trophy here to Atlanta,” Gertz said. “We want championships.”

Showcasing the Hawks exhibit and other homegrown brands at ATL makes sense, Smith said.

“For many passengers, Hartsfield-Jackson is their first – and only stop – in Atlanta,” he said. “In fact, of the more than 103 million passengers who navigate through this Airport each year, some 60 million never venture out of these walls to explore what this City has to offer. We’d like to change that.”

The Hawks exhibit runs through June.
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April 11, 2018