Officials of the city-run airport Wednesday got initial approval to expand one of Hartsfield-Jackson's five runways in anticipation of more international flights once the merger is approved.
The runway expansion means Hartsfield-Jackson would be able to handle more 400-passenger Boeing 747s, specifically 747-400s, which is the workhorse of Northwest Airlines' international fleet.
"We expect more large aircraft to be moved here from Detroit [after the merger]," airport deputy general manager Mario Diaz said in an interview after the city Transportation Committee gave its nod to spend $3 million for the design phase of the runway expansion.
"We have not made any specifics commitments or announcement regarding any additional international service out of the Atlanta airport related to the merger," said Delta spokeswoman Susan Elliott. She said the airline wanted runway 9L 27R lengthened to accommodate Delta flights headed to distant locations.
"This request has been in place for some time, and it's specifically related to the 777s," she said, noting that Delta would like the runway project completed by 2009.
The runway, the first of three southern runways from the terminal, is about 11,890 feet. The airport wants to add 500 feet to its eastern end and possibly another 900 feet on the western side. Diaz said he did not have a cost for the runway project.
Big jets can now take off from Hartsfield-Jackson with a full load of fuel, cargo and passengers during most weather conditions, Diaz told the Transportation Committee. But in extremely hot weather, they have to shed fuel or cargo. That means the airline loses revenue on cargo or the aircraft has to stop to refuel on a long trip.
AJC