USA: $6 Billion Capital Plan for Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

Plans for a $6 billion, 20-year capital improvement program at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport – dubbed the ATLNext program – were unveiled yesterday at a major event hosted by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Hartsfield General Manager Miguel Southwell.

The city released renderings and animations of the improvements planned for the Domestic Terminal’s atrium and exterior. It also unveiled plans to build a sixth runway, new cargo structures, a new $500 million, 400-room hotel with a travel plaza and a new Concourse G.

During his remarks at the event, hosted by CNN reporter Richard Quest, Hartsfield-Jackson’s Southwell listed six priorities for the airport’s long-term growth: Safety and Security, Financial Viability, Economic Generation, Environmental Stewardship, Employees and Customer Service.

He also emphasized a push for new air service to China, India and other fast-growing economies around the world, along with a restoration of service to Israel.

“We have had tremendous growth over the last year, and with our new capital plan, the next 20 years are only going to be more impressive,” Southwell said. “Not only will these projects be transformational for the Airport, but they will enable the needed expansion to accommodate the growing demand we have at Hartsfield-Jackson.”

Other projects under ATLNext include:
- Terminal modernization, now-2018, $393 million;
- Concourse T extension, 2016-2021, $200 million;
- Plane Train people-mover turnback relocation, 2016-2027, $307 million;
- Concourse G, 2016-2023, $983 million; and
- Concourse D gate area expansion, 2019-2025, $50 million.
The airport is also expanding the ATL West parking deck next to the Georgia International Convention Center at a cost of $150 million, along with upgrades to the Park-Ride Lot, the South and North garage teardowns and replacements.

The airport capital plan was among the events covered at the inaugural State of the Airport luncheon, with nearly 1,000 people in attendance.