Good afternoon, I’m Ben DeCosta. I am pleased to present to you the new East International Terminal design concept for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The new terminal will be a “world class” international gateway not only to Atlanta, but also to the region and the Americas.

Under the leadership of Mayor Shirley Franklin, we have created a vision for the project that evokes a sense of pride in Atlanta’s unique community, lifestyle, culture and history.

The passenger experience is the most important element of the design, which is being planned from the inside out.

This facility will create an elevated level of customer service and will improve the way passengers navigate through the Airport.

The new terminal will be open, light and airy and will capture the spirit of arrival.

The project captures the unique character of Atlanta through the use of indigenous colors, materials and local artwork.

I am also confident in announcing that this almost $1 billion project will be built on time and on budget!

The 960,000-square-foot East International Terminal and Concourse will provide 10 additional passenger gates; upgrade the Airport’s international service and support facilities, including ticketing and baggage handling; and offers more than one thousand parking spaces.

The EIT is scheduled to open in 2006.

All of this is possible because we have put together world-class teams of contractors, engineers, architects and aviation experts.

These are mammoth projects that transcend city and county lines and affect whole communities. That is why I am very proud of the cooperation between the City of Atlanta, College Park and Clayton County, as well as the families that live in these communities.

As part of these projects, the local governmental entities of Clayton County and College Park have worked closely with the City of Atlanta to invest in community development around the airport.

Only through this type of regional cooperation and leadership can projects of this magnitude be successful. I want to especially thank Mayor Franklin and the Atlanta City Council, College Park Mayor Jack Longino, the Clayton County Commission, and especially, Commission Chairman, Crandle Bray.

As you know, Hartsfield-Jackson is the busiest passenger airport in the world and was recently named as the most efficiently managed airport. With the new 5th Runway, the East International Terminal and other expansion projects, I am confident that Hartsfield-Jackson will remain a model airport to the entire world.

And now I would like to introduce our steadfast leader, the greatest Mayor in America, the Honorable Shirley Franklin.

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