Finalmente! Airport Adds Bilingual Signage

PASSENGER INFORMATION

Finalmente! Airport Adds Bilingual Signage
By DeAllous Smith

"Wow, esto es grande!" commented Dan Perez while observing the bilingual signage hanging in the Airport's Atrium.

Perez, like most Airport passengers, was pleasantly surprised to discover that Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport had added new Spanish language directional signage throughout the Airport's landscape.

The prototype signs, which are located throughout baggage claim, the main terminal, all Concourses and in the Transportation Mall, allow Spanish speaking travelers to navigate from the security checkpoint to their gate with relative ease.

"Hartsfield-Jackson is a major connecting hub. We recognize that a significant number of our non-English speaking travelers boarding connecting flights originate in the Caribbean as well as Central and South American countries, which are deeply rooted with Spanish history," said Signage and Graphics Manager Jon Yee.

As of July, 41 percent of all international arrivals currently originate in countries where Spanish is the official language.

The first fixtures were erected in May with final installation occurring in early July to accommodate individuals passing through the facility during the Fourth of July holiday.

Aviation officials installed the stand-alone orange and grey signage to evaluate customer response and determine how the prototypes fit within Hartsfield-Jackson's long-term master plan.

As the world becomes smaller through technology, more airports recognize the importance of bilingual signage to their customers. George Bush Intercontinental and Miami International airports utilize bilingual signage.

"As a frequent traveler and a business professional, I appreciate the extra efforts that airports take to ensure that a significant portion of their client base understand how to travel to and from various points of interest within the structure," said Perez.

Hartsfield-Jackson is 100 percent committed to accommodating the growing needs of its air carriers and the customers the facility serves. And, by the middle of 2006, Delta Air Lines will offer service to every country in Central America.

"As flight doors continue to open between Atlanta and destinations in more Latin American countries, we will continue to ensure that our traveler's overall airport experience is met with convenience and efficiency," added Yee. "The bilingual signs are definitely one way to accomplish this goal."

By the way, Perez's first statement is, "Wow this is great!"