Acceptance Speech
By Mario Diaz Deputy General Manager Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport	Air Transport Research Society Rio de Janeiro, Brazil July 3-7, 2005

Thank you Dr. Odum for that kind introduction. I am delighted to be here today on behalf of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to accept this prestigious award from the Air Transport Research Society.

First of all, let me recognize the talented staff of the City of Atlanta’s Department of Aviation. Without their hard work and dedication, I would not be standing here to accept this special honor.

Since 2003, the Air Transport Research Society has recognized Hartsfield-Jackson’s achievements in efficiency as being among the best in the world, and this year, we are honored to be named the most efficient airport in North America.

Hartsfield-Jackson has become the “world’s busiest airport,” and we continue to be recognized for our first class productivity and efficiency.

At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, we have one of the lowest landing fees of any major U.S. airport….only $0.45 cents per 1,000 pounds of landing weight. That is less than 50-cents. The landing fees for John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York are over $5.00 per 1,000 pounds.

Presently, the cost that the airlines pay at Hartsfield-Jackson for enplaned passenger fees is $2.55 while the current cost at other large hubs averages $8.20.

As we minimize the cost of conducting business with Hartsfield-Jackson, we maximize the benefits of efficiency and global connectivity.

Despite the challenges that airports have faced in the wake of September 11 and an uncertain airline environment, Hartsfield-Jackson has moved full speed ahead with our expansion plans, which will increase the Airport’s efficiency.

Less than 12 months from today, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will open a new runway on May 27, 2006.

Our new 5th runway is considered the most important new runway in North America because delays at Hartsfield-Jackson create a ripple effect across the continent and hamper airport efficiency.

Hartsfield-Jackson’s new runway will help our Airport continue to run as a high performing organization by reducing flight delays, allowing the airlines better schedule integrity and reducing overall costs.

The new runway will assist in Hartsfield-Jackson maintaining its position as a highly efficient and highly productive airport. The new runway will also benefit the airlines creating a cost savings to the industry. Construction of the new runway will save the airline industry approximately $5 million per week in delay costs. That translates into an estimated $260 million per year.

Our passengers will also feel the effects of Hartsfield-Jackson’s efficiency efforts. Presently we are constructing a new baggage screening system in conjunction with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to electronically screen checked baggage.

Once the TSA baggage screening project is complete, passengers will not have to wait in line to have their checked bags inspected, thereby reducing congestion in the ticketing and check-in lobby and help speed travelers through the airport.

Passengers will simply check their luggage with an airline agent and then proceed onto the TSA’s security screening area. The airline agent will place the checked luggage on the baggage conveyor, which will take it directly to the TSA screening facility and then load the luggage onto the aircraft.

The new automated and centralizing checked baggage security screening system will be significantly more efficient than the current system, processing more bags per hour and requiring fewer staff to operate.

Better efficiency in every aspect of our airport operations will lead to increased productivity and a higher level of customer satisfaction as we accommodate the increased passenger air traffic.

As I conclude, I remain optimistic about the future of the airport industry. Yes, we are facing significant hurdles, but the public is returning to the skies and are traveling more than ever before. By working closely with industry partners, we can foster a mutually beneficial environment for everyone.

Our common goal: to provide the most efficient and effective air transportation system possible while ensuring the safety and security of all parties with the highest level of customer service possible.

Again, I am grateful to the Air Transit Research Society for bestowing this award upon Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. It is a privilege to be with you today to it accept it on behalf of the hard working men and women whose efforts truly make Hartsfield-Jackson the most efficient airport in North America. Thank you.

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