In addition to welcoming the new year, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) will begin an 18-month celebration of its Centenary on New Year’s Eve. This commemorates the airport’s significant contribution to the development of the city and international aviation. The celebrations will pay tribute to the long history of Atlanta, the busiest airport in the world, as well as its potential to become a center for aviation innovation in the future.
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The centennial countdowns started with a midnight show
Following an exciting centennial design, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s unique canopies will be illuminated with a unique New Year’s countdown when the clock strikes midnight on December 31, 2024, the airport said in a press release. With the exception of holidays and special occasions, this colorful show will be on display every evening, signifying the airport’s long history and forward-thinking outlook. The grand canopy lighting marks the official start of a year-and-a-half-long celebration that will commemorate Atlanta International Airport’s 100-year journey from its modest beginnings to its current status as a global transportation leader.
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A century of aviation milestones
Hartsfield-Jackson’s story began in 1925, when Atlanta Mayor Walter Sims signed a lease for an abandoned auto racetrack located just south of downtown Atlanta. With the guidance of City Council member William Hartsfield, the city embarked on transforming the site into an airfield. The facility, initially known as Candler Field, would soon become one of the busiest aviation hubs in the world.
The airport’s first commercial flight arrived on September 15, 1926, when Florida Airways established a mail route linking Tampa, Jacksonville, and Atlanta. Over the next century, the airport grew into the world’s busiest, serving more than 100 million passengers annually. Hartsfield-Jackson has actually maintained the title for more than 20 years, except for 2020, when travel witnessed a steep fall overall owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport projected that it would reach 125 million passengers within the next five years.
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The history of Atlanta is also inextricably linked to the contributions of two influential mayors, Maynard Jackson and William B. Hartsfield. The airport was renamed in 1971 in Hartsfield’s honor. Hartsfield was mayor of the city for more than 20 years in total. In honor of Jackson’s significant contribution as the city’s first Black mayor and his influence on the development of the airport’s contemporary operations, the airport was renamed once again after his passing in 2003.
What’s the event about?
Atlanta’s 61st mayor, Andre Dickens, will conduct a news conference on January 13, 2025, marking the formal start of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport’s centennial celebrations. Living former mayors of Atlanta and previous airport general managers will be present at the occasion, and they will all offer their perspectives on Atlanta’s development throughout the years.
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A centennial gala, art exhibits, anecdotes detailing the airport’s colorful past, and an outlook on future transportation systems are just a few of the events and activities that will be held throughout the centennial anniversary to honor the airport’s legacy and involve the community.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is moving to the future while also honoring its rich past. The airport will maintain its position as a world leader in aviation thanks to a number of planned additions and technical advancements. The airport plans to finish a number of infrastructure projects by 2025, including Phase 2 of the Concourse D widening project, with the goals of increasing passenger flow, improving services, and guaranteeing sustainability.
Photo: Channing Reid | Simple Flying
Delta Air Lines centennial also approaching
In an exciting intersection of celebrations, Delta Air Lines , the city’s legacy carrier, will also mark its centennial in 2025. Delta, which has called Hartsfield-Jackson Airport home for decades, is planning its own set of events, including a grand opening keynote at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on January 7, 2025. The keynote, featuring Delta CEO Ed Bastian, will explore how technology is reshaping the passenger experience. Delta will also host interactive exhibits and offer unique experiences for its SkyMiles members at the event.