Since I work with a lot of folks who are relocating to the Atlanta metro area from out of state and out of country too, I am often asked about the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. Access to the airport is important to these people and most people have the mistaken impression that Chicago or JFK in New York or even LAX in Los Angeles are the worlds busiest airports. That simply isn't true. The fact is Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has held the #1 spot for about 10 years.
It might interest some to know, that the Atlanta metro area is also home to several small, regional and commuter airports. Just to mention a few, Cobb County Airport known as McCollum Field is located in Kennesaw. Dekalb-Peachtree Airport we affectionally call PDK and Fulton County Airport we call Charlie Brown Field. Lawrenceville offers Gwinnett County Airport or Briscoe Field and there are many others.
Today's focus is on Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
According to the Fall 2010 issue of KNOWATLANTA Magazine, every day nearly 250,000 passengers travel through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport -- a distinction it has held for more than 10 years. Last year, 980,000 flights carrying more than 89 million passengers passed through the airport, including flights from some 80 international destinations. In addition to being among the world's busiest airports, Hartsfield Jackson earned another impressive honor for being the most efficient airport in North America.
From an economic standpoint, the airport is a driving force for Georgia generating $23.5 billion in revenue. In addition, it provides employment for 56,000 people whose jobs are directly related to the airport as well as an additional 18,000 jobs supported by airport-related businesses.
With its six concourses, Atlanta has one of the largest airport terminal complexes in the world. The airport has five runways. 151 domestic and 28 international gates and the tallest air traffic control tower in North America. At 398 feet, its the third tallest air traffic control tower in the world.
Coupled with Metro Atlanta's population growth and its ever-increasing international influence, the airport continues to expand. In 2006, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport responded by opening a 5th runway, and in the spring of 2007, an end-around taxiway designed to improve arrival and departure times, was completed.
The $417-million end-around taxiway, called Taxiway Victor, has improved capacity, reduced delays by 40 percent and increased departure capacity by 21 percent. It is the first of its kind in the U.S., and only the second in existence.
The upcoming Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr., International Terminal (MHJIT) is a 12-gate terminal that will provide international gates, plus additional domestic gates that are in high demand. The MHJIT will feature enhanced international passenger customer service, an additional Bureau of Customs and Border Protection facility, an in-line baggage screening system and a connection to the existing 28-gate international concourse, bringing the total to 38 international gates. The terminal is slated to open in 2012.
These new additions are part of a $6.2 billion capital improvement plan. Other expansion plans include a new energy-efficient car rental facility and improvements to the existing concourse and parking.
For those relocating to the Atlanta metro area, you can be assured that the airport is very capable of assisting you efficiently and effectively with your domestic and international travel needs.
Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia working in Cobb, Cherokee, North Fulton Counties and the north Atlanta metro area. Call Sara with your questions and concerns regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / buying / selling process. Sara can be easily reached at 770-399-8108 or e-mail Sara at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!
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