Delta Air Lines CEO Helps to 'Top Out' International Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson

Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson and Mayor Kasim Reed joined Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Aviation General Manager Ben DeCosta and others for the topping out of the 1.2 million-square-foot international terminal. More than 100 guests signed their names on the final structural steel beam before a crane hoisted it into place.

"The Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal represents economic stimulus, sound fiscal management, a focus on efficiency and customer-friendly design," DeCosta said. "But most importantly, this facility represents a forward-thinking investment in the future of international travel into and out of metro Atlanta."

DeCosta's comments were followed by remarks from Reed and Anderson. Both spoke of the international terminal's importance and benefits for passengers.

"The construction of the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal continues the Airport's dominance as the No. 1 passenger airport," Reed said. "This international terminal creates opportunities for business with many other countries and creates countless jobs in the city of Atlanta — not just maintenance and warehouse jobs, but jobs for entrepreneurs and small-business owners."

Other speakers at the event were Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Kenneth Stewart; Valerie Jackson, radio personality and widow of the former mayor for whom the international terminal is named; and Dan Molloy, Hartsfield-Jackson assistant general manager for Planning and Development.

Construction of the international terminal began in summer 2008 and is scheduled to be complete in spring 2012. The international terminal will have 12 gates, nine security checkpoint lanes for international departing passengers and six recheck lanes for domestic connecting passengers. It will eliminate the need for Atlanta-bound international passengers to recheck their baggage after they clear customs.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• ATL
• hartsfield-jackson
• atlanta
• international
• terminal
• airport
• delta
• air
• lines
• richard
• anderson
• mayor
• kasim
• reed
• topping
• out
• construction
• milestone
• mhjit
• HMMH
• signing
• the
• beam

[AtlantaHartsfield]

Thanks. You can't miss it! Just look for all the cranes near the control tower.

[LastXdeth]

LAX looks more luxurious, but ATL is bigger. I can't wait 'till they finished this project! It should attract business and opportunities to that area.

[Want2bPilot94]

I cant wait for it to open, I hope to see it when i fly next time.

[isleyohio]

The airport in HUGE! Was there a couple years ago while it was being worked on (sweating more than it was raining! LOL) Very nice.