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Ten News Year’s Resolutions from Hartsfield-Jackson To Create the Best Airport Experience for Customers in 2009

Customers can expect plenty of parking, a faster security experience, new high-fashion and unique concessions, and more from the world’s busiest airport.

ATLANTA – Global travelers won’t get lofty, unachievable promises from the world’s busiest airport in 2009. While people worldwide are contemplating their New Year’s resolutions, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport resolves now to be the best airport in the eyes of its millions of customers and will achieve that promise by continuing various improvements to the overall travel experience.

“2009 will build on what we accomplished in 2008, bringing additional customer improvements and enhancements designed to make the Airport a more hassle-free and convenient place for travelers,” said Ben DeCosta, Aviation general manager. “We aim to be one of the world’s best airports and Hartsfield-Jackson will achieve that goal by exceeding our customers’ expectations everyday in the New Year.”

Hartsfield-Jackson’s 10 New Year’s resolutions for 2009 include:

A redesigned Web site (Atlanta-airport.com) featuring new interactive features, and more dynamic graphics and photos. Customers can quickly locate up-to-the-minute information, such as parking availability, security wait times, flight information and/or other factors to assist passengers. The Web site is expected to be translated into Spanish, German, French and Chinese in the coming months.

Ample and convenient parking thanks to more than 30,000 on-site parking spaces that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the hourly, economy, daily, Gold and Silver Reserve lots including more than 8,000 parking-n-ride spots on site for just $9 a day. Additionally, motorists are encouraged to use the hourly parking lots when waiting for passengers. Parking in the hourly lots is free for the first 15 minutes, then only $1 per hour for the first two hours.

Improved security screening offering customers 32 lanes across three check points. Travelers can expect an average wait time of less than 10 minutes during off-peak times and no more than 20 minutes during peak times. Travelers can choose appropriate lanes based on their travel skill and experience level.

More than 70 new shops opening now through Summer 2009 as part of Airport’s “retail renaissance” designed to improve customers’ travel experience. Once complete, new, upscale stores, which include Sean John, Lacoste, Brooks Brothers, Mori Luggage and more, will delight customers and satisfy their discerning tastes. Spas and nail salons are also coming soon.

Far-reaching global access to more than 90 international destinations across 55 countries. This includes direct and nonstop flights to Asia, Australia, Europe, India, Latin America and the Middle East, as well as more nonstop service to Africa than any other U.S. airport, effective summer 2009.

Compelling art thanks to an eclectic, internationally-focused art collection of nearly 250 pieces on display across its six concourses, one of the world’s largest airport terminals.A new 2009 exhibit on Concourse T displays works from the permanent collection of the Arrowmont School of Art and Craft in Gatlinburg, Tenn. This will be the largest showing of art to date from Arrowmont, which was founded in 1912 as the Pi Beta Phi Settlement School with a mission to provide basic education and vocational training to the residents of Sevier County.

Entertainment throughout the year, including a holiday music series and special event programs, as well as regular pianists in the Atrium and on international Concourse E.

A more attractive, state-of-the-art facility through our award-winning customer-focused terminal design. Additionally, customers can enjoy Hartsfield-Jackson’s aesthetically-pleasing grounds that bloom with thriving seasonal planters and sustainable landscaping throughout the 4,700-acre property.

A state-of-the-art Consolidated Rental Car (CONRAC) facility opening in November 2009. The new 67.5 acre-facility will house all rental car agencies, will be located five minutes across Interstate 85 from the Airport, and will be connected to the existing passenger terminals via an Automated People Mover (APM) train system. The APM, which will also make stops at the Georgia International Convention Center and a new hotel complex, can move more than 10,000 passengers an hour to and from the passenger terminal along the 1.6 mile-long elevated track.

A sustainable recycling program set to launch early in 2009. This state-of-the-art program, when fully-implemented, will reduce the Airport’s waste stream by up to 70 percent, will create hundreds of “green” jobs, and will position the airport as the area’s largest recycler