Here's a link to tons of info about what's happening at ATL:
http://www.atlanta-airport.com/Defau...nfo/gmpage.htm. Click on Airport Construction...
ATL's biggest project for the next 3 years will be the construction (FINALLY) of the new 8,700-space Consolidated Rental Car Facility. That's a major undertaking, and one that's been in the planning process for a few years. Groundbreaking was held earlier this month. It's getting built just south of the new Georgia International Convention Center off Camp Creek Pkwy. Take the Virtual Tour!
The South Terminal will not happen prior to 2010, especially with the cumbersome process of planning, design, and construction. Also, it's likely that Delta would have to give its consent to this project, because of the bonds that would be sold to underwrite construction of the terminal. Its business generates the majority of airline revenues. I'm sure the airline will have a say in how this facility is developed, and what it allows for in terms of added capacity (and more importantly to Delta, opening the door to increased competition!). If Delta isn't happy, it will be difficult to push forward. If Delta gets ample room to grow as a result of the new gates, that will make it more likely to get the green light.
Expect the International Terminal to come online around 2010. I believe the lawsuit between the design firm and the City is still being argued. If, in fact, the entire facility is to be redesigned, as indicated by the Ben DeCosta, it will be a couple of years before any construction begins. I actually think this legal battle gave the Airport what it needed to cool the jets on forward momentum with this $1 Billion project. The future of Delta was seriously being questioned, and still is, so it was justified for there to be extreme caution. It will happen, just not as soon as many had hoped. The current International Concourse E has recently added another 2-3 gates to increase its capacity to the furthest extent possible without the new East Terminal. In other words, it is now built out. You can take a Virtual Tour by going through that link above.
The 9,000 ft. 5th parallel runway and new 397 ft. Air Traffic Control Tower represent over $1.4 Billion worth of projects now being completed. Also, there's a pretty cool page with lots of info on the new runway, due to open to air traffic on May 27. Again, the link above is the first step to reaching the 5th Runway page. Check it out.
I'm planning to be in ATL on May 27 for the opening of the 5th runway. Still have some contacts from my days of working there, and hope to get out on the airfield to watch some of the first operations. Maybe can get into the new Tower also, which would be incredible. To see the airfield from 400ft up!!! WOW...
Passenger traffic is down for the first couple of months @ ATL. Probably has to do with DL's seat capacity reduction combined with some travelers avoiding the carrier due to the bankruptcy reorganization. AirTran is inching towards 20% market share, which they might actually realize in 2006. Amazing how they have grown there, and continue to expand.
ATLonthebrain