62 replies to this topic

[Student]

Hartsfield Jackson International is experiencing many new developments; so many that is deserves a thread of it's own.

From Hartsfield Jackson's Official Website

CONRAC  Automated People Mover (APM) System


One of the key projects in the Hartsfield-Jackson Development Program is a new Consolidated Rental Car Facility (CONRAC). This Facility is designed to serve as a single area in which all rental car companies serving the airport are located. In order to provide easy customer access to this new facility located across Highway 85 from the airport, the City of Atlanta is procuring an Automated People Mover (APM) System which will operate from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to the new CONRAC facility, with an intermediate stop at the Georgia International Convention Center, as depicted in the graphic below.





Brief System Description
  *~ 1.5 miles long, dual lane elevated guideway
  *Pinched-loop system
  * 3 Stations
  *Maintenance & Storage Facility
  *Initial Capacity
*Ultimate Capacity – 5,170 pphpd
  *~ 10 minute round trip time
  *~ 2.5 minute headways


APM System Supply Requirements
  *Vehicles
  *Automated Train Control
  *Audio & Visual Communications
  *Power Distribution System
  *Elevated Guideway & Switches
  *Station platform doors
  *Maintenance Facility & Equipment
  *Operation & Maintenance


Central Passenger Terminal Complex (CPTC)
  
The Central Passenger Terminal Complex will be enhanced to accommodate the rising number of travelers passing through Hartsfield-Jackson. To enhance passenger service, improvements will include upgrades to curbside services, security checkpoints, ticket counters, interior finishes, concessions, baggage, make-up facilities, baggage claim areas, vertical transportation, moving sidewalks and expansion of existing concourses.

Major Projects Include: CPTC Cosmetic Upgrades: Provides repairs and upgrades to designated areas within Terminal, T-Gates and Concourses A, B, C& D. Repairs and upgrades will include: Replace damaged wall covering on columns and on walls within the Terminal and Concourses. Replace wall covering along moving sidewalks within the Pedestrian mall. Install additional lighting over escalators within Terminals security checkpoint area to APM. This project also includes various upgrades to restrooms located on Concourse A, B, C, D, T-Gates and the Terminal.

Terminal Ceiling Replacement Program: This project includes replacement of the ceiling tiles and grid system throughout the Terminal; Installation of an air curtain within all Terminal main entrance vestibules; replacement of paging system speakers throughout the terminals ceiling areas; and, lighting upgrades to the terminals heavy traffic and common use areas.

CPTC HVAC/Plumbing/Electrical Replacement Program: This project will upgrade the existing HVAC system in the Central Passenger Terminal Complex (CPTC), except for Concourse E. The majority of the existing HVAC system in the (CPTC) is over twenty (20) years old and is in need of repairs, modifications and improvements. Upgrading the system will provide more efficient HVAC equipment, drives and control systems that will result in increased system performance, enhanced compliance with industry indoor air quality standards (IAQ) and decreased maintenance and energy costs. Adding smoke control to the project will provide life safety enhancements to the HVAC system during the overall upgrades and take advantage of the economies of scale and the fact that it will be easier and less costly to incorporate smoke control features into the system during the design of these upgrades as opposed to adding them after the modifications have been completed.

Replacement of APM Automated Train Controls System: The existing Airport People Mover control system is more than twenty years old. In order to keep this essential part of the airport operating for the next twenty years, old technology must be replaced with new state-of-the-art controls technology.

Terminal Expansion: The existing terminal building was built almost 25 years ago to accommodate approximately 45 million annual passengers. Through some minor modifications it has accommodated the growth of passengers over the past twenty-five years from 40 million to over 80 million annual passengers. However, the facility must be expanded to add additional ticketing, baggage claim and public space in order to meet the needs of the future.

Upgrade Parking Revenue Control System: Install state-of-the-art hardware and software systems that will meet and/or exceed the Airports parking revenue control needs through the year 2015. The work covered under this scope will: Replace the entire existing PRCS System (communication pathway (new fiber-optic) and new servers with site diversity by installation of servers in separate locations). Create system redundancy for PRCS, License Plate Recognition (LPR) System and Credit card processing. Identify locations & Install Pay-On-Foot (POF) Queuing Stations, Utilize open platform architecture as much as possible (NT or Unix operating platform), Review North & South Parking Decks vehicle exit strategies and recommend exit lanes/plazas modifications that would facilitate faster vehicular departure during peak period/usage.

Canopies and Cashier Booths: New canopies for exit cashier booths and entrance gate arm locations at Park-Ride surface Lots A and B. (Note: this does not include the exit/entrance booths at the parking garage), New cashier booths at Lots A & B to match exiting Lot C booths. Redesign the HVAC system for cashier booths and replace the concrete islands/foundations for the cashier’s booths. Replace the asphalt pavement adjacent to the islands. Resurface the entrances to Park-ride Lots A and B. Coordinate with the Parking Revenue Control System (PRCS) designers to ensure that installed booths are compatible with that project design.


Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. International Terminal (MHJIT) - "Atlanta’s global gateway to the world"

Current Status:
The budget and Completion scheduled for this terminal are under review. A new completion date will be announced soon.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport officials are constantly reviewing and implementing enhanced features to safely and securely accommodate passengers and employees. The completion of the innovative East International Terminal project is a part of realizing that goal. Soon Atlanta will proudly unveil its new, state-of-the-art, “front door” through which the world comes to Atlanta.  Full Story

New Facility Features:
+ New global international gateway
+ Enhanced international passenger customer service
+ 1.2 million square-foot International Terminal and Concourse
+ 10 new international gates available for domestic use during Non-Peak Hours
+ Connects to existing 28-gate International Concourse for a total of 38 International Gates
+ Additional Bureau of Customs and Border Protection facility
+ In-line baggage screening system
+ 1,100 short-term parking spaces
+ Two-level terminal roadway system and curb-front conveniently separates departing and arriving vehicle traffic
+ Reconfiguration of Aviation Boulevard to create the first east-side entrance to Hartsfield-Jackson
+ International air carriers such as Delta Air Lines, Air Jamaica, British Airways, Korean Air and Lufthansa Airlines will have customer check-in counters
+ Automated people mover extension to new terminal and new storage facility




Fifth Runway  "The Most Important Runway in America"

For Detailed information on this please visit this link

The New Air Traffic Control Tower

Because Federal Aviation Administration regulations require that air traffic controllers be able to see the full length of every runway, the Fifth Runway required a new tower. There was no appropriate site to the south, so the new tower was positioned 585 feet north of the existing tower. Tall enough to view the entire runway, the new tower is over 394 feet high, the tallest air traffic control tower in North America and the second tallest in the world. The new Tower Cab offers nearly double the room for air traffic equipment and controllers.

Construction on the tower’s three-acre site began in September 2003 and will be completed in May 2006. The project also includes a three-story office building with meeting rooms, a building to house an emergency generator and a two-story parking deck.

Edited by Student, 09 April 2006 - 12:10 PM.

[ironchapman]

Thanks for all of the news, Student! Keep us updated!

I'm really looking forward to seeing how this 5th runway works out.

[Student]

Some Additional information...

During construction of the APM system, many ground transportation services will have their staging locations altered. Customer service representatives and special color coordinated signs will be available to assist passengers at the airport.
Expected Changes during the CONRAC construction:

Limousine: Travelers who have reservations with limousine companies will find sedan limousine operations relocated from the current limousine lot to the South hourly parking deck.

Taxicabs: There are no changes in the taxicab operation during this construction. However, the area will now have a red taxi sign to indicate its location.

Atlanta Metro Shuttles: Shuttle vans will be relocated from Island F to the Green Bus aisle beginning April 24, 2006.

Non-Metro Shuttles: Non-metro shuttle vans will be relocated from island E to the Green Bus aisle beginning April 24, 2006.

Hotel Shuttle Service: Beginning May 5, 2006, passengers will find hotel shuttles moved further west to the area labeled with the Pink Bus in the Ground Transportation Center.

Atlanta Link Shuttle (City of Atlanta – Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead): The ticketing booth for the Atlanta Link Shuttle will relocate inside the Terminal adjacent to the Hertz Rental Car counter at the end of April.

On and Off-Site Airport Park-Ride Shuttles: Beginning May 5, 2006, off-site airport parking shuttles will be relocated further west to the area labeled with the Purple Bus in the Ground Transportation Center. Additionally, those passengers utilizing Hartsfield-Jackson’s Park-Ride shuttle service will find the pick-up location moved to the Teal Bus area located on the Terminal South outer curb.

And

Facility: The facility will accommodate the ten rental car companies (with room for expansion in the future) and will provide for approximately 8,700 ready and return spaces. Additionally, this project will include accommodations for customer service centers, storage and minor maintenance areas, wash lane facilities and vehicle fueling positions to support the quick turn around operation used by the rental car agencies.

Vehicle Access Route: A new four-lane airport access road will connect the airport roadway system to the CONRAC Facility. This roadway provides the vehicular access and egress to the facility. The roadway will include a vehicular bridge that will cross Interstate 85, U.S. Hwy 29, CSX Railroad and the MARTA tracks.

Automated People Mover (APM) System: To accommodate passengers to and from the Central Passenger Terminal Complex (CPTC) and the new CONRAC Facility, a new APM will be built. This APM will be similar to the one already in operation at the Airport, which takes you from concourse to concourse. The APM track will be elevated over I-85 and U.S. Hwy 29 and will have three stops including one near the Georgia International Convention Center.

Over the next three years, the infrastructure for the elevated guideway system and APM connecting the airport to CONRAC is being constructed. The project will impact the flow of pedestrian traffic in the Ground Transportation Center, an area where passengers connect with hotel, motel and rental car agency shuttles; taxicabs; limousines; and buses to on and off-site parking lots. » Learn more about the Automated People Mover (APM)

During construction of the APM system, many ground transportation services will have their staging locations altered. Customer service representatives and special color coordinated signs will be available to assist passengers at the airport.

[PghUSA]

Interesting developments for ATL, hopefully they can pick up Southwest with all these additions!

[Lady Celeste]

We don't really discuss our airport much but I thought I would resurrect this thread to give some updates on direct flights that will be added to the airport.

Quote

Delta Air Lines plans to launch nonstop flights from Atlanta to Dubai and Seoul next spring as part of a batch of seven new nonstop routes the carrier is adding in the second year of its big push overseas.

Besides the new flights to the United Arab Emirates and South Korea, Delta is expected today to announce new nonstop service from Atlanta to Prague, Czech Republic, and Vienna, Austria.

This is great news for Delta and the airport as well. In a world of fierce competition, it os great to see that the airport is not merely resting on it's laurels as the world's busiest airport funneling over 88,000,000 passengers to destinations around the world. I think often times we in Atlanta (most of us who are 35 and under have always lived in a "big" city) take the importance of Hartsfield-Jackson for granted. This airport is an amazing assest.

Anyway, from an article in the AJC today:

Quote

How did Dubai show up on its route-planners' radar?

The airline's top managers say an Atlanta-Dubai route will connect gateways between the southern United States and the Middle East and India, cutting five hours from most trips.

This should make a very good case for more southwest Asian flights in the near future.

Also noted from the article:

Quote

Delta has also been expanding aggressively in Latin America, and is planning to launch routes this fall to cities in South Africa, Senegal and Ghana. The airline is also seeking flying rights to China.

Last month, Mayor Franklin, the Chamber of Commerce and the CEO of Delta were all in Beijing to present the city of Atlanta as an excellent gateway for a non stop flight from China to the US. China only offers flight privileges to it's major airports every so often and the next window is open sometime in 2008. Hopefully Atlanta (Delta) will be awarded the next slot. This will bode well for flights to the 2008 Summer Olypmics as well as the economic boost to the city. In an increasingly international marketplace, Atlanta must focus on being an international player. With all of the infrastructure and old business here, we are poised to becoming even more international....and Hartsfield-Jackson will play a very big role in this bright future.  

To read more of the article, visit here:

Airport to gain more international direct flights in 2007.

[Andrea]

Celeste, thanks for that update.  This is all very exciting.  The airport is clearly the economic engine that drives the city.

[Lady Celeste]

Delta first to get world's longest range commercial jetliner.


This is great news for Delta as it increases it's international prescence. It is also great news for many of Delta's hubs....including Hartsfield-Jackson.

Quote

"These aircraft will enable us to fly non-stop to ultra long distance destinations across Asia and the Middle East as we continue our international expansion," said Mel Fauscett, managing director of Fleet Planning & Acquisition for Delta. "The range of these aircraft coupled with innovative cabin features will allow customers to travel to popular international destinations in superior comfort and distinguish Delta's customer experience among the U.S. carriers."

The article was not long so I will not post a link but the information was gotten from the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

[Martinman]

Feds give Atlanta $1M to study second metro airport - Business Chronicle

Quote

According to a study released May 15 by the Federal Aviation Administration, four U.S. cities -- Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas and San Diego -- will need new airports by 2025. The FAA also anticipates a need for as many as 15 new airports nationwide by 2025.

The federal government is "making the $1 million available for the city to look at new solutions," she said. "Now is the time for Atlanta to consider having multiple commercial airports."

[ironchapman]

I wonder what a second metro airport would do to the number of flights going into (and out of) Hartsfield?

[adelosky]

ironchapman, on May 16 2007, 03:53 PM, said:

I wonder what a second metro airport would do to the number of flights going into (and out of) Hartsfield?

I guess another question is would a second airport be more of a regional one rather than international?  It would make since to have the majority of smaller shorter regional flights come out of another airport with maybe Airtrans having their hub there and most of the international and cross country flights with the larger planes coming out of Hartsfield.

[atlrvr]

I don't know much about Dekalb airport, but could it be  upgraded to handle commercial flights?  I agree that moving AirTran and any other low-cost carrier, that doesn't cross-book flights would be the best option.

[ryanmckibben]

Dobbins AFB wold be the best choice in my opinion. It can already handle large planes and the neighbors are already used to the noise, so politically it would be the easiest sell. And...didn't the DOD consider shuttering Dobbins anyway?

[ironchapman]

If I heard correctly, Delta is skeptical of the possibility of building a second airport while AirTran isn't for it, but isn't against it.

...Something like that. I'll have to see if there's an article on it somewhere.

atlrvr, on May 17 2007, 09:55 AM, said:

I don't know much about Dekalb airport, but could it be  upgraded to handle commercial flights?  I agree that moving AirTran and any other low-cost carrier, that doesn't cross-book flights would be the best option.

You know, AirTran has said (or implied) that it would actually consider moving here if we would give it a hub of its own intsead of one it has to share with Delta.

ryanmckibben, on May 17 2007, 06:00 PM, said:

Dobbins AFB wold be the best choice in my opinion. It can already handle large planes and the neighbors are already used to the noise, so politically it would be the easiest sell. And...didn't the DOD consider shuttering Dobbins anyway?

True about Dobbins, but I think some other organizations (I can't remember which--perhaps the GA National Guard) are lookign at the place. I think there was a topic here on it a while back. I'll have to go find it.

[Kenneth Disraili-Jean]

The new international terminal is great, it just has a long name, The Maynard Holbrook Jackson Jr. International Terminal or (MHJJIT),maybe we can just call it the MHJ Terminal, and no disrespect to the former mayor.

[ryanmckibben]

kennethdisraili, on Jun 2 2007, 09:40 AM, said:

The new international terminal is great, it just has a long name, The Maynard Holbrook Jackson Jr. International Terminal or (MHJJIT),maybe we can just call it the MHJ Terminal, and no disrespect to the former mayor.

Does that mean the name of the airport will revert to Hartsfield Atlanta International?

[Kenneth Disraili-Jean]

ryanmckibben, on Jun 2 2007, 11:44 AM, said:

Does that mean the name of the airport will revert to Hartsfield Atlanta International?

No absolutley not. I always say that I've got to catch a flight at the ATL. You know these days everything gets abreviated. But no I love the name of Hartsfield-Jackson, since they were both instrumental in the airports developement.

[atlrvr]

Delta has just added Shanghai to their China bid, so now they are requesting routes from Atlanta to both Beijing and Shanghai

[Lexy]

Here you go guys and gals.  I was recently down your way and snapped a few pictures of the airport while I was there.  No terminal pics or anything, but plenty of heavy metal!  Enjoy and tell me what you think.

Click here: http://www.pbase.com..._airport_images

Edited by Lexy, 07 August 2007 - 07:20 PM.

[Lady Celeste]

International traffic surges at airport.

More great news at Hartsfield-Jackson....

Quote

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is increasingly becoming a major gateway for passengers boarding flights for other countries, according to numbers reported Thursday by the federal government.

Atlanta's airport had one of the fastest rates of international passenger growth in the nation for the first six months of this year among domestic carriers, according to numbers compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

The numbers show international traffic at Hartsfield-Jackson jumped 12.5 percent over the same six-month period the year before.

This is quote impressive when one considers the sheer number of passengers handled by the airport annually. This also bodes well for international exposure.


ATLANTA'S INCREASING NUMBERS OF INTERNATIONAL PASSENGERS




Airport ____Jan.-June 2007_______Rank______Jan.-June 2006____% Change


Miami______________2.3 million_________________1______________2.2 million_______________5.6%



Atlanta_____________1.96 million________________2______________1.7 million_______________12.5%



New York/JFK________1.86 million________________3______________1.6 million_______________12.4%



Newark_____________1.8 million_________________4______________1.6 million_______________9.3%



Chicago/O'Hare______1.6 million_________________5______________1.6 million_______________1.5%


— Source: U.S. Department of Transportation

To read the full article:

Increase in international passengers.

[Lady Celeste]

Also in airport news..............

Airport terminal gets $110 million push from the Atlanta City Council.

In keeping with the increase of international passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson, the city council has taken major steps to make the newer international terminal a reality. While the airport may be essentially landlocked, I am happy to see that passengers and flights will not be neglected nor compromised. I know that Atlanta values it's airport. It has been vital to our success and growth. Clearly a healthy and efficient airport is paramount to continued success.

Quote

A new international terminal for Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is still on the drawing boards, but city officials took major steps Wednesday to make sure it's in operation by 2011.

Two committees of the Atlanta City Council approved $110 million in construction funds to build and equip two tunnels that will be used by underground trains to carry passengers back and forth to the facility from the main terminal.
  
"It looks like we're getting started on the international terminal," said Councilwoman Clair Muller, who chairs the Transportation Committee, after her panel approved the release of $45 million to dig the two tunnels and line them with concrete.

The Finance Committee later in the day approved $65 million for the trains, track and various systems needed to make the people-movers work. Most of the construction funds, which will be voted on by the entire City Council next week, come from passenger fees, federal grants and airline fees.

"We're going forward with the terminal," airport General Manager Ben DeCosta said after the Transportation Committee vote. "This terminal is needed for this airport and the area's future."

To read more, click here:

$110 Million allocated to new international terminal.