Airline's Lease Extended Through 2017 At Major Hub Airport

Delta Airlines has reached a deal with Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta that clears the way for the completion of the $1.3 billion Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal, the City of Atlanta said.

Delta's 30-year lease with Hartsfield was set to expire at the end of the year, and Delta had threatened to move some flights from Atlanta to other airports if a new bargain could not be struck. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the city had countered by saying it would not finish the new international terminal if no agreement was reached.

The paperwork is not finalized, but there is an agreement in principal. City Council Member Clair Muller, chair of the transportation committee, said she plans to hold a work session involving the entire council. "It's a big contract and we need to thoroughly discuss it," Muller told the paper.

In a statement, Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson said "Delta is pleased to have reached an agreement with the City of Atlanta on a lease extension at Hartsfield-Jackson that will maintain the airport's position as the leading airport in the world and ensure the continued growth of air service in Atlanta."

"Atlanta and Delta are successful because we have worked hand-in-hand for nearly 70 years to distinguish our hometown airport as one known for its convenience, efficiency and competitive costs," he continued. "We have been fortunate to work with a long line of visionary leaders including Mayors Hartsfield, Young, Jackson and Franklin who understood that Atlanta's economic prosperity and growth is directly tied to Hartsfield-Jackson's more than $20 billion annual economic impact. We look forward to working with the city administration and the city council on finalizing the legislation and moving forward with the development of the Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. International Terminal."

FMI: www.delta.com, www.atlanta-airport.com