The official website of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Category: ATL Stories

  • ATL, Delta, environmental group seek to change the course of waterways

    ATL, Delta, environmental group seek to change the course of waterways

    Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr., Director of Asset Management and Sustainability Michael Cheyne, and dignitaries from Bonneville Environmental Foundation and Delta Air Lines perform a ribbon-cutting at the Change the Course press conference Wednesday, June 7. © Delta Air Lines

    By Rachel Deloach
    Office of Public Affairs Intern

     

    Representatives from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Delta Air Lines and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation gathered Wednesday, June 7 to launch Change the Course, an initiative that aims to restore 30 million gallons water to Georgia’s ecosystem over the next year.

    The campaign, which kicked off as part of press conference in the Domestic Terminal atrium, seeks to educate and raise awareness to support the health and vitality of the state’s waterways. That includes the Flint River, which flows underneath the world’s busiest airport.

    The river is a vital resource for agriculture, manufacturing and wildlife. But stormwater runoff, pollution and drought conditions have taken a toll on the animal population and diminished economic opportunities.

    “This Airport is taking steps to address these concerns through our sustainability initiatives — part of a broader effort to become one of the greenest airports in the world,” said Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr.

    Council was joined Wednesday by John Laughter, senior vice president for Delta Air Lines; Calvin Farr, assistant commissioner with the Department of Watershed Management; Stephanie Stuckey, chief resilience officer with the City of Atlanta; and Val Fishman, chief development officer with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation.

    Hartsfield-Jackson and Delta are two of the 38 corporate sponsors that support Change the Course. Together, these sponsors will help replenish more than 8 billion gallons of water.

    “This partnership with our hometown airport to provide a clean source of water in the region will benefit the customers who live and work here, and beyond, while fostering long-lasting environmental stewardship,” Laughter said.

    Every person who texts “ATL” to 474747 or refills a water bottle at a specially marked station will help restore 1,000 gallons of water.

    As of June 8, Airport officials said, more than 1.4 million gallons of water have been restored just from text messaging.

    Change the Course corporate sponsors support 35 restoration projects across 11 states and Mexico, but the movement is far from over.

    “Our human story over the coming decades … is being written every day by the choices we make about how we use, manage, value and think about freshwater,” Fishman said.

     

  • ATL prepared as Memorial Day marks start of summer travel season

    ATL prepared as Memorial Day marks start of summer travel season

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

     

     

    With millions of people expected to fly this Memorial Day weekend, the world’s busiest and most efficient airport is prepared for the start of the busy summer travel season.

    “March 31 of this year saw a record 85,470 passengers screened, and we expect to break that single-day number in the next few days,” Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr. said during a May 23 press conference at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. “We are able to facilitate such a large number of travelers thanks to the collaborative efforts between Hartsfield-Jackson and our many stakeholders, including TSA and our airline partners.”

    To reduce passenger congestion, ATL recently completed the installation of 20 additional Automated Screening Lanes, or Smart Lanes, at Domestic security checkpoints. Finished April 26, nearly two weeks ahead of schedule, these Smart Lanes have increased passenger processing by up to 30 percent.

    In 2016, Hartsfield-Jackson became the first U.S. airport to test these Smart Lanes as part of a pilot program with TSA and Delta Air Lines.

    “By automating many of the functions previously conducted manually, travelers are able to move more swiftly and efficiently through the checkpoints, allowing for speedier travel,” said TSA Federal Security Director Mary Leftridge Byrd.

    Byrd added that while more than 95 percent of passengers are screened in less than 20 minutes, it’s best to plan ahead.

    “Preparedness can have a significant impact on efficiency at security checkpoints,” she said.

    Over the past year, TSA has seen a staffing increase, and security remains a top priority. Local, state and federal law enforcement officials remain hyper-vigilant to any threats posed to the traveling community, and officers maintain a strong, visible presence at Hartsfield-Jackson.

    Still, Council reminded everyone about the federal initiative “See Something, Say Something.”

    “If you notice suspicious behavior or activity, don’t hesitate to report it to a law enforcement official,” he said.

    During the holiday weekend, passengers should plan to arrive at least two hours before scheduled departure for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. Travelers should also monitor their airlines’ websites and social media feeds for immediate updates.

     

  • Inaugural fashion show Global Runway highlights ATL Skypointe program

    Inaugural fashion show Global Runway highlights ATL Skypointe program

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

     

    Style was found at every turn this week during Global Runway, the Airport’s first-ever fashion event.

    The May 18 presentation showcased luxury brands at every price point, from jewelry and accessories to T-shirts and blazers. These retail offerings were just a few represented by ATL Skypointe, an elite way to shop, dine and explore at the world’s busiest and most efficient airport.

    “Beyond being a major hub in the global transportation network, Hartsfield-Jackson is also a major hub for quality retail brands,” said ATL Director of Concessions Chilly Ewing. “That makes this Airport the perfect backdrop to showcase collections available through our award-winning concessions program.”

    Media, influencers and fashion industry professionals mingled at the International Terminal to see the unveiling, hosted by charismatic style and beauty expert Emily Loftiss.

    Male and female models strutted in the latest spring and summer collections of retail brands Tommy Hilfiger, Swarovski, Sean John and local emerging lifestyle brand Ateaelle. Loftiss encouraged the audience to touch the curated items and take selfies with the models.

    “You won’t get this at New York Fashion Week,” Loftiss said.

    Also bridging the gap between beauty and style, Global Runway showcased national brands ExOfficio, Mori Luggage & Gifts, Luxe International and Bijoux Terner via a pop-up shop.

    With more than 300 retailers, Hartsfield-Jackson offers a wide array of selections to indulge the senses and provide fashion befitting any destination worldwide.

    “People travel for all sorts of reasons,” said ATL’s Pam Simmons, Global Runway coordinator. “They may be going to the beach and need an extra swimsuit or a great sundress. ATL Skypointe offers travelers the opportunity to shop for that trip right before they hop on their flight. The convenience that this offers travelers is unlike what you’ll see at almost any other airport.”

    And given that the average layover time for an international flight is two hours, many passengers have the time – and money – to shop, Simmons added.

    The ATL Skypointe commercial premiered during the event and featured style ambassadors BluHazl, Satchel Jester, Jenna Wessinger, Vincent Martinez and Loftiss. The commercial will run on CNN Airport Network throughout ATL.

    Global Runway also served to launch ATLRewards, the Airport’s customer loyalty program. Customers who enroll in the program will accumulate points when they shop or dine at participating ATL vendors. These points can be redeemed for airline miles, hotel rewards, dining discounts and many other perks at participating merchants throughout metro Atlanta and nationwide.

     

  • Construction of grand entrance underway at world’s busiest airport

    Construction of grand entrance underway at world’s busiest airport

    ATLNext rendering depicts the canopies that will cover both sides of the Airport’s Domestic Terminal.

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

     

    The sight of passengers darting across ATL’s roadways to enter and exit the Domestic Terminal will soon be a thing of the past.

    One of the major projects underway is construction of two giant canopies that will extend from the North and South sides of the Domestic Terminal. The work is part of ATLNext, the Airport’s $6 billion capital improvement program.

    While their appearance will be grand, the canopies also will improve the guest experience. They will protect passengers from weather conditions, and they will improve traffic flow by housing elevated walkways between the parking decks and terminal.

    Work to prepare the foundation for the canopies’ steel trusses began in March 2017. There are 19 supertrusses per canopy, one for each side (North and South). The 38 total supertrusses are each connected to a pier column. Each pier is 21 feet high. Canopies require 3,500 tons of steel, equaling the weight of nine Boeing 777 jets.

    The steel is produced in Chicago, rolled and fabricated in Houston and Lubbock, Texas, and assembled in Atlanta.

    The canopy material will consist of ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) membrane, a fluorine-based plastic that will cover 19,776 square yards, or the equivalent of three football fields. The durable, recyclable material is known for its design flexibility to withstand extreme weather conditions. It’s expected to have a 30-50 year life expectancy with minimal maintenance.

    The ETFE membrane coverage is almost 10,000 square yards per canopy, and as a bonus, it will illuminate ATL’s facade with more than 3,500 customizable LED strip fixtures for color themes to commemorate holidays and special events.

    Over the past several years, other ETFE structures have opened abroad, including WaterCube in Beijing, China; Eden Project in Cornwall, UK; and Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. The U.S. recently began incorporating it into structural designs, including Minnesota’s U.S. Bank Stadium, which opened July 2016, and our own Atlanta Falcons’ new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which opens in late August.

    The projected date of completion is late 2018. How will construction affect your routine? Below are ATLNext project impacts. For more information, visit www.next.atl.com.

     

    Impacts through mid-June 2017

    North Terminal

    • Parking Deck Elevators
      • Closed nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. May 15 – 21 and June 25 – July 25. Customers needing assistance can call 404-530-7300 for van service.
    • Roadway
      • Upper level: Closure of outer lane of outer roadway
      • Upper level: 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. closures of all outer lanes
      • Lower level: 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.  closures of two inner lanes
    • Crosswalks
      • Upper level: 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. closure from the Hourly Parking Deck to ticketing area (door N5). Use crosswalk at door N3 to access Hourly Parking.

    South Terminal

    • Roadway
      • Upper level: Closure of outer lane of outer roadway
      • Upper level: 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. closures of all outer lanes
      • Lower level: 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. closures of two inner lanes June 6 – 13
    • Crosswalks
      • Upper level: 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. closure from the Hourly Parking Deck to baggage claim area (door S5). Use crosswalk at door S3 to access Hourly Parking.
    • Door
      • Lower level: Periodic closures of door LS2, leading to lower roadway and South Economy Parking lot. Check for signage and use door LS1/tunnel.

     

  • ATL marks Bring Your Child to Work Day with education, inspiration

    ATL marks Bring Your Child to Work Day with education, inspiration

    During Bring Your Child To Work Day, the 6- to 9-year-olds toured Fire Station 24 and happily posed in front of an Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) truck.

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

     

    More than 100 Department of Aviation employees brought more than their work bags and lunches to the offices one morning last week.

    April 27 marked Bring Your Child to Work Day, coinciding with the annual U.S. observance of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.

    At ATL, youth ages 6-17 went on behind-the-scenes Airport tours, learned about careers in aviation and even engaged in talks with industry leaders.

    The event kicked off in the North Cargo facility with a welcome from Office of Public Affairs Director Myrna White, who encouraged students to reach for their potential.

    “We hope today’s event inspires the next generation of aviation professionals,” White said. “Perhaps in our midst are airline pilots, aircraft engineers, air traffic controllers and emergency rescue personnel. And who knows? Perhaps someone sitting here today will one day be the general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson.”

    The last organization-wide Bring Your Child to Work Day was in 2010. This year’s revival had two versions – one hosted by DOA, the other by Tech Campus – and allowed the youth to shadow their parents on the job.

    Emergency Planner Kamille McCormick was happy her 14-year-old daughter, Jade, saw McCormick’s “world” away from home.

    “Before coming to ATL, I worked as an emergency planner in public health for almost 10 years,” McCormick said. “She always thought my job was boring.”

    While the day didn’t change McCormick’s daughter’s plan of becoming a marine biologist, McCormick said, “[Jade] wished some of her friends who haven’t figured out what they want to be had a chance to see some of the interesting things … like the Delta Training Center.”

    Customized activities included tours of the C4 Control Command Center Mobile Unit, ExpressJet, Stogner Hill, Delta Aircrew Training Center, Fire Station 24, the air traffic control tower, an interactive plane burn at the Atlanta Fire Training Center and the Delta Flight Museum.

    Sparkle Rainey, 13, enjoyed the day’s fun, informative activities.

    “I’d never been to the Airport before,” said Rainey, adding that she plans to research and consider aviation careers, including flight scheduler and pilot.

    Data Analyst Leslie Putnam organized the Tech Campus event for 68 children and aimed to bring “excitement for learning.”

    “[This] is important to our entire Tech Campus family because of the essential learning experience the flight community brings to our bright future leaders of tomorrow,” Putnam said.

    Throughout the day, youth heard from a host of speakers, including Officers Lorenzo Stripling and Bernard Day from the K9/Bomb Squad; ATL Fire Training Center Program Manager Clay Garnett; Lt. Marsha Hill; Operations Supervisor and Emergency Response specialist Kevin Fuzell; Ground Transportation Operations Coordinator Shedrock Neil, and Delta Air Lines pilot Capt. Marcus Neyor.

    Community Affairs Manager Tracy Gilbert, who helped organize DOA’s event, hoped the day encouraged academic and personal achievement.

    “Kids today are not sure how to connect learning in the classroom to the world of work,” Gilbert said. “This life-changing opportunity provided the kids with a personal experience in aviation.”
  • GreeningATL Excellence Awards honors sustainability efforts of partners, individuals

    GreeningATL Excellence Awards honors sustainability efforts of partners, individuals

    Concessionaire Delaware North took home the Footprint & Community Impact Award at the third annual GreeningATL Excellence Awards. Presented by event organizer Resilience and Sustainability Manager Liza Milagro and Airport Deputy General Manager Balram Bheodari. ©2017 Decisive Moment Event Photography

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

     

    It was easy being green at the third annual GreeningATL Excellence Awards on April 21.

    Department of Aviation leaders and ATL stakeholders gathered at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway to celebrate the sustainability successes of the past year and honor individuals and companies that have advanced the triple-bottom line: economic, social and environmental.

    Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr. shared ATL’s sustainability initiatives underway or on track, including the Sustainable Food Court Initiative, Green Acres ATL Energy Park and electric vehicle charging stations. He also looked to the future, underscoring that the Airport’s 20-year capital improvement program ATLNext will incorporate sustainability and efficiency into each project.

    “We welcome the chance to grow sustainably, balancing our constantly expanding operations with a laser-like focus on preserving the environment,” Council said. “And with the help of everyone … I know we can achieve even more on our journey to become one of the world’s greenest airports.”

    Winners are as follows:

     

    NAME/COMPANY CATEGORY
    Trilogyfm Energy Conservation and Efficiency
    Cofely-MiJoy Joint Venture Materials & Resources
    Delaware North Footprint & Community Impact
    ATLNext EV Charging Station Team, Department of Aviation Sustainability Innovation
    The Hertz Corp. Waste Management
    Revolution Bag Supply Chain
    Superior Essex Supply Chain (Honorable Mention)
    The Hertz Corp. Product Innovation
    Sheryl Mattocks, Department of Aviation Community Leader
    Tung Tran, Delaware North Eco-Employee of the Year
    Isis Crowder, Department of Aviation Eco-Employee of the Year
    Kenny Wright, Department of Aviation Eco-Employee of the Year
    Gwen Grant, Department of Aviation Eco-Employee of the Year
    Department of Aviation Maintenance division EcoDistrict Leaders of Change

     

  • Wings for Autism acclimates children, adults to air travel

    Wings for Autism acclimates children, adults to air travel

    Delta pilot Eric Ries shares tips for traveling with individuals with autism at Wings for Autism event April 12.

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

    Dozens of children and adults took their first “flight” April 12 with Wings for Autism, a dress rehearsal designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and aviation professionals at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

    ATL hosted the second annual event in partnership with Delta Air Lines, the Transportation Security Administration, The Arc Georgia and The Arc of the Midlands.

    “Air transportation is a critical part of our lives,” Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr. said. “Many navigate through security, board planes and jet off to destinations near and far. While this is a normal routine for some, the air travel experience can be particularly challenging for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders.”

    Wednesday’s event on Concourse E drew about 130 local individuals and families, who navigated the airport, maneuvered through security, boarded a Delta plane and toured the cockpit.

    Wings for Autism facilitator and Delta pilot Eric Ries explained the “sensory overload” that affects individuals with autism, including his son.

    “I’ve been all over the world. I’ve faced many challenges with mountainous terrain, language barriers, wind, rain, turbulence, all sorts of challenging and stressful situations,” Ries said. “But I don’t think it was as stressful sometimes as traveling with my son in the early stages.”

    “I noticed the hypersensitivity to smell, sound and light, the difficulty at the airport when traveling, the meltdowns on the airplane, and at first I thought it was the terrible twos, turning into terrible threes … Finally the diagnosis came … Now he’s 10 years old, and I’ve traveled 45 times with him to many states and he does amazing.”

    Speaking to other families and learning through trial and error, Ries compiled tips for traveling with an individual with autism.

    “The families that come are literally frightened and scared to death to get on an airplane,” he said. “By the end of the tour, I can’t tell you [the number of] empowering statements we get.”

    Launched in March 2016, Wings for Autism aligns with ATL’s customer service initiative.

    “Through collaboration, we continue to focus on providing a safe and secure environment for all passengers to create a memorable experience for all our guests,” said Guest Relations Manager Carol Gaddis, who organized the event.

    The Arc’s national network promotes and protects individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their inclusion and participation in the community.
    “Wings for Autism was created by one of The Arc chapters to help a family in Boston who didn’t think they’d ever be able to travel on a plane … and now it’s a national event,” said Stacey Ramirez, state director of The Arc Georgia. “I’ve seen … how it’s changed our lives and opened a whole new world of travel and opportunity.”
    The program also prepares airport, airline, TSA and other personnel to interact with autistic individuals and deliver services in a structured learning environment.

    “We want to ensure that all our Airport team members and partners are sensitive to the needs of those with autism,” Council said. “With specialized training, our personnel will be able to recognize – and know how to handle – potential challenges with understanding, patience and support.”

  • JetBlue launch at ATL celebrates new partnership

    JetBlue launch at ATL celebrates new partnership

    Atlanta’s Botanical Garden, Piedmont Park and the famous Phoenix statue are featured in JetBlue’s commemorative poster by John Wilkinson. Photo by Gordon Gebert

    By Anika Robertson
    Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

     

    Seeing blue? The hue was part of a lively scene March 30 at the International Terminal, as ATL officials welcomed JetBlue Airways’ inaugural flight from Boston with cheers and applause.

    “Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a customer-centric airport,” said Airport Deputy General Manager Balram Bheodari. “And air service development is one of our core initiatives. Today, with the addition of JetBlue service to Atlanta, our customers will enjoy continued connectivity throughout the U.S. and strengthen our global position as the world’s busiest and most efficient airport.”

    The New York-based air carrier now offers five nonstop, roundtrip flights daily between Atlanta and Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS).

    Atlanta Fire Rescue trucks greeted and escorted the plane, an Airbus 320, to Gate F14 upon arrival. Flight 0397 passengers received an Atlanta-branded canvas bag filled with treats from both Boston and Atlanta.

    The occasion featured an array of American cuisine and Southern bites, a live band and a JetBlue-meets-Atlanta tiered cake, electrifying the atmosphere for travelers and Airport staff alike.

    David Clark, JetBlue’s vice president of network planning, said the JetBlue team is “absolutely thrilled” that Atlanta is the carrier’s 101st destination.

    “This is a big day for JetBlue,” he said. “We had a lot of demand from our customers, business customers [and] leisure customers, saying, ‘JetBlue, you’ve got to serve Atlanta.’ It has been our most requested destination by both our customers and our crew members.”

    ATL Travel Industry Engagement Manager TJ Jackson sees JetBlue’s return to Atlanta after 14 years as necessary to increase passenger service options.

    “The airline adds to the diversity of our air service,” said Jackson, also an event organizer. “JetBlue is a viable partner in customer service and community outreach, and we look forward to these opportunities to work together.”

    Kevin Langston, deputy commissioner of tourism with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, also welcomed “new friends” to Atlanta. “We look forward to sharing our Southern hospitality with you,” Langston said.

    During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Marty St. George, JetBlue executive vice president of commercial and planning, unveiled a poster commemorating JetBlue’s arrival into Atlanta. It featured iconic city destinations.

    To cement its partnership with ATL, JetBlue staff and Department of Aviation employees teamed up March 29 to mark “JetBlue For Good Day.” During the event, officials donated 500 age-appropriate books to College Park Elementary School students and read to 150 second-graders.

  • Hartsfield-Jackson earns StormReady certification

    Hartsfield-Jackson earns StormReady certification

    By Shane Blatt
    Senior Public Relations Manager

    Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has officially become StormReady, earning the designation after demonstrating weather-related emergency preparedness.

    Officials with the National Weather Service, on hand for a press conference Wednesday in the Domestic Terminal atrium, presented ATL leaders with a certificate.

    “We are the first airport in Georgia and only the second commercial site in the state to achieve this distinction,” said Michael Smith, ATL’s senior deputy general manager. “With this certification, ATL has demonstrated that it has the necessary tools in place – through planning, education and awareness – to potentially save lives.”

    The United States experiences, on average, about 10,000 thunderstorms and 1,000 tornadoes each year, and about 98 percent of all presidentially declared disasters are weather related. Given those statistics, the life-saving benefits of being StormReady are clear, Smith said.

    “In the case of a tornado, for instance, this Airport may have just a matter of seconds to respond, notifying airlines, employees and, of course, the traveling public about what actions to take,” said Smith, who stood next to a “We Are StormReady” sign, one of nine that will be placed on roadways throughout the Airport campus.

    David Nadler, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service-Peachtree City/Atlanta, said more than 2,500 locations across the U.S. are StormReady, but just a handful of StormReady sites are airports. They include Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports, Detroit Metropolitan Airport and Indianapolis International Airport.

    “Because of the uniqueness of the various groups that come together to support and make up airport operations, it is a little more challenging to recognize airports as StormReady, which makes this recognition even more special,” Nadler said.

    Eligibility guidelines are based on population. Given that ATL is the world’s busiest airport, having served more than 104 million passengers in 2016 alone, Hartsfield-Jackson had to meet the highest standards.

    Eligibility requirements include maintaining a 24-hour Emergency Operations Center with redundant methods of receiving, monitoring and relaying National Weather Service information and warnings to the public. It also includes close collaboration between the Airport’s Centralized Command and Control Center, or C4, and meteorologists at the National Weather Service-Peachtree City/Atlanta.

    “StormReady means we have made a step forward in improving our readiness levels to be able to respond to emergencies at the Airport and to be able to provide a safer environment for our passengers,” C4 Director Gus Hudson said.

    The StormReady program requires renewal every three years.

    David Nadler of the National Weather Service presents the StormReady certificate to ATL Senior Deputy General Manager Michael Smith.
  • Park ATL shows appreciation to parking customers

    Park ATL shows appreciation to parking customers

    Park ATL thanks its customers by providing coffee and snacks during a customer appreciation event March 9 and 10.

     

    Park ATL, Hartsfield-Jackson’s parking operation brand, set out to show its customers appreciation for their patronage of the Airport’s parking facilities.

    On March 9 and 10, Airport employees for parking operator Standard Parking were positioned at stations throughout the parking decks of both terminals to hand out bottled water and cups of hot chocolate to more than 1,000 customers while thanking and showing them how important they are to ATL.

    The parking staff also promoted various parking features and services such as the “Easy In, Easy Out” method of credit card entry and exit and the online reservation system, as well as encouraged participation in the Airport’s “Thanks Again” program.

    Park ATL currently offers more than 32,000 parking spaces at the Domestic and International terminals. During the two-day event, the parking operation interacted with Park ATL  customers and received feedback on how to improve the parking experience. More customer appreciation events are being planned throughout the year.