Events held to celebrate international terminal
By Amy Schneider

The opening of the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal was cause for celebration for many groups of people, including the traveling public, government and business officials, Airport employees and the family members of the terminal’s namesake. Hartsfield-Jackson held a series of three events to ensure that each group had its opportunity to commemorate the completion of the massive project.

On May 3, more than 1,100 government officials, business leaders and family members of the late Maynard H. Jackson Jr. gathered for an event that featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, an unveiling of Jackson’s portrait in the facility’s ticketing hall, musical entertainment representing various international cultures, dinner and tours.

The event included remarks by several speakers, including Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Aviation General Manager Louis Miller, former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson.

“Our goal is to make sure travelers choose Atlanta. I am certain — and I think you’ll agree when you have a look around — that the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal and its Concourse F will serve as a positive, welcoming first impression of our city for all those coming to do business here and will further the city’s reputation as a cutting-edge leader,” Miller said.

The next day, Airport employees attended an event to showcase the culmination of their hard work. Miller and other Airport leaders thanked employees, who were treated to refreshments, a surprise performance by a flash mob and commemorative coins.

Finally, the greatest beneficiaries of the international terminal, the flying public, got their up-close look during a community/stakeholder event on May 5.

The open house event hosted about 3,000 visitors, who learned about the changes to the international travel experience and took home souvenirs to mark the occasion.

Starting May 16, it will be all business at the international terminal, as the 1.2 million-square-foot facility begins service to passengers from throughout the world.

Led by Mayor Kasim Reed and Aviation General Manager Louis Miller, special guests at the May 3 celebration participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Mayor Kasim Reed and Valerie Jackson unveil a portrait of Jackson's late husband, the namesake of the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.

Deputy General Manager Balram Bheodari addresses a crowd of employees whose work culminated in the international terminal. Jim Drinkard (from left), assistant general manager for Planning and Development; Duriya Farooqui, City of Atlanta chief operating officer; and Aviation General Manager Louis Miller also thanked groups of employees.

A flash mob performs during the May 4 employee event. Dancers incorporated styles from several cultures and used world flags and globes in the routine's finale.

Members of the public explore the international terminal at an open house on May 5.

A Japanese dancing and drumming troupe performs for visitors
at the international terminal.