General manager pleased to leave Airport in ‘better shape than when I arrived’
By John McCullough

Following his announcement that he will not seek renewal of his contract as Hartsfield-Jackson’s general manager, Ben DeCosta is expressing optimism for the Airport’s future.

“I have enjoyed my tenure at the Airport, and it has been a privilege to have been part of such a collaborative, dynamic team,” DeCosta said. “Our work has left the Airport — now the world’s busiest — in better shape than when I arrived.”

DeCosta announced on January 25 that he was stepping down as general manager, a position he has held for nearly 12 years. His current contract is set to expire on June 30.

According to DeCosta, the decision to move on was not made easily.

“After discussing it with my wife, we decided it was time for a change in direction,” DeCosta said.

Under DeCosta’s leadership, the Hartsfield-Jackson team built a fifth runway, developed a consolidated rental car center and expanded the Airport’s security checkpoints. The Airport is a potent economic engine, with a $23.5 billion annual impact on the metro Atlanta economy.

In a letter to Department of Aviation employees, DeCosta wrote: “Between now and my departure, it will be business as usual. I am confident that the team we’ve put in place will ensure the continued success of this world-class facility.”

Ben DeCosta is leaving Hartsfield-Jackson after nearly 12 years as general manager. “I am confident that the team we’ve put in place will ensure the continued success of this world-class facility,” he said.