Benjamin R. DeCosta assumed leadership of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as Department of Aviation general manager for the city of Atlanta in June 1998. Among his top priorities at the world’s busiest airport are customer service and security. DeCosta and his team are committed to ensuring that passenger experiences at the principal air carrier airport in the southern United States are among the best in the world. In fact, the Airport’s mission statement is “to be the world’s best airport by exceeding customer expectations.”

DeCosta is in charge of Hartsfield-Jackson’s $6 billion-plus Capital Improvement Program. The major components of the program are: a fifth runway, the Maynard Holbrook Jackson International Terminal, a consolidated rental car complex, upgrades to the existing central passenger terminal complex, and a proposed south gate complex.

In May 2007, DeCosta and his team celebrated the first anniversary of the new fifth runway, Runway 10-28, which is the centerpiece of the CIP. This runway, labeled the “Most Important Runway in America,” has contributed to a significant decrease in delays at Hartsfield-Jackson and saves the airlines operating at the facility millions of dollars each week.

Under DeCosta’s leadership, the Airport remains Georgia’s economic crown jewel, employing more than 56,000 employees and producing a total financial impact of $44 billion for the state of Georgia. And, according to a 2005 Economic Impact Study, the facility increased flight operations by nearly 100,000 to more than 980,000 flights.

Recognized nationally as a leader in aviation, DeCosta serves on the board of directors for the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), the largest professional organization for airport executives in the world, and Airports Council International, one of the world’s largest airport organizations.

On Oct. 15, 2006, DeCosta received his Accredited Airport Executive designation from AAAE, an achievement that further demonstrates his leadership as an airport management professional.

During his tenure, Hartsfield-Jackson has received numerous accolades from industry experts. In 2007, The Air Transport Research Society (ATRS) announced the selection of the facility as the most efficient airport among all major airports worldwide. DeCosta was also honored in 2007 as Best Airport Director of the Year by Airport Revenue News. Other awards include American Express’ Executive Traveler’s Best Large U.S. Airport honor (2007), ATRS’ Global Efficiency Award (2006), Air Cargo World’s ACE Award for Excellence (2006), ATRS’ Top North American Airport for performance (2001 and 2003), and International Air Transport Association’s Best “Very Large” Airport in Overall Passenger Satisfaction (2003).

Prior to becoming general manager, DeCosta worked for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and served as the general manager of Newark International Airport.

A native New Yorker, DeCosta received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics at Queens College in 1968 before earning his Juris Doctor from New York Law School in 1975. In 1984, he participated in a program for senior executives in state and local government at the Kennedy School of Public Administration at Harvard University.

Last updated 2/2008