Delta Air Lines, AirTran Airways and other airlines have
agreed to a supplementary rental payment of $30 million to help pay for a new
international terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, the city of Atlanta said.
Payments will be spread over a four-year period from 2013 to
2016. The terminal is expected to be completed in 2012.
The agreement amends Delta’s lease, said the city.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed called the deal a "strong
example of a public-private partnership." He also said the agreement
"strengthens the fiscal position of the airport and the city of
Atlanta."
AirTran CEO Bob Fornaro said, "Being a good corporate
citizen means doing the right thing for the good of the community, and today’s
announcement is the right thing for Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, the people of
Atlanta and AirTran Airways."
Delta CEO Richard Anderson also lauded the deal.
"The completion of the Maynard H. Jackson Jr.
International Terminal will strengthen Atlanta’s standing as a major
international gateway and provide a world-class facility for Delta’s
international customers," he said.
This report originally
appeared on TravelWeekly.com.