Atlanta Airport Opens Tallest Tower in North America

FEATURE ARTICLE

Atlanta Airport Opens Tallest Tower in North America
By Charisma Cannon

Get within close range of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and from approximately two miles in any direction you’ll see the air traffic control tower that trumps all control towers.

At an impressive 398 feet, the new air traffic control tower that accompanies the “Most Important Runway in America,” is the tallest in North America and a site to behold!

The state-of-the art tower is equipped with the latest technology including, high tech communication devices, improved navigational and visual aid systems and many other modern day technological systems. At 165 feet taller than its predecessor, the new control tower is necessary to accommodate current and future airport growth. And with the newly constructed fifth runway positioned in the southernmost part of the Airport, the new tower also allows air traffic controllers to have an unobstructed view of the new runway and the entire airfield.

“The tower is a perfect example of how taxpayers’ money is being used to make the safest aviation system even safer,” said Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta. “Air traffic controllers at the world’s busiest airport will be able to use the tower’s impressive height and advanced technology to guide the increased air traffic expected at Hartsfield-Jackson.”

“It’s befitting that the country’s tallest air traffic control tower accompany the world’s busiest airport and the country’s most important runway,” said Ben DeCosta, general manager of the Airport.

The City of Atlanta funded the $39.4 million needed to cover site, design and construction costs under a reimbursable agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA covered the $4.8 million needed for equipment installation, power systems, furniture and workstations in the tower cab. The tower also houses an accompanying parking deck and meeting facilities. The total price tag: $44.2 million.

The existing air traffic control tower will be imploded in August to make way for the new tower to accept its crowning glory.

For more information about the new air traffic control tower and the fifth runway, log onto www.atlanta-airport.com.