Atlanta Copes With Being Busiest Airport In The World

<B>Atlanta Copes With Being Busiest Airport In The World</B>

By Erin Szeto

Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport has commenced a $5.4 billion project to help reduce aircraft delay and better address its high volume.

Having served 80 million passengers with an average of 2,500 flights per day in 2000, Hartsfield continues to hold the title as the busiest airport in the world in terms of both passengers and aircraft operations. Federal Aviation Administration data also shows that Hartsfield is the most delay-impacted airport in the country.

One of the major components of Hartsfield's development program is a fifth runway set to be operational by 2005. Construction already has begun on the previously approved 6,000-ft. runway, but Hartsfield officials currently are awaiting environmental approval from FAA to extend the runway to 9,000 feet, said FAA public affairs manager Kathleen Bergen. The $1 billion runway is expected to reduce average delays from nine to five minutes.

Hartsfield also is accommodating its growing number of international passengers by extending its already existing international Concourse E and constructing a new terminal. The new terminal and Concourse E expansion will total about 1 million square feet and include new international passenger ticketing facilities, nine additional gates, two levels of curbside checkin and 2,000 long-term parking spaces adjacent to the terminal. Completion of the $718 million extended international terminal is planned for 2005.

In addition, a new consolidated car rental facility is planned to accommodate all of the rental car companies presently operating at the airport.

Currently, the airport is modifying its passenger handling facilities at the existing terminal. The access roadways to terminal curbfronts and parking facilities are being reconstructed and facilities such as ticketing, baggage claim and public parking will undergo modifications to maintain and improve capacity.

"Our program is geared toward customer service," said Hartsfield general manager Ben DeCostas. "Our mission is to be the world's best airport by exceeding customer expectations. The airport development program will enhance our ability to ensure that each passenger traveling through Atlanta has a good experience while they are here."

Potentially much further in Hartsfield's future is a new South Terminal that would include 31 gates connected directly to the terminal, a roadway network, a parking structure and other features to provide efficient service. The current 168-gate Atlanta complex already is one of the largest in the world, but according to DeCostas, the forecast demand for the airport is 121 million passengers by 2015.

Other Hartsfield developments still in the works include extensions of the airport's current runways, construction of various connector taxiways and additional ground service equipment maintenance facilities, airport support facilities and aircraft maintenance and cargo facilities.