Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) marked the 30th anniversary of its Central Passenger Terminal Complex on Sept. 21.
“Hartsfield-Jackson was created in the minds of visionary leaders,” said interim General Manager Robert Kennedy, who was at the celebration. “Because of their courage, insight and leadership, we are able to stand here today at the world’s busiest airport. Today, we are celebrating our past and looking toward our future.”
George Berry, general manager of the airport from 1978 to 1983, cut the ceremonial ribbon at the grand opening of the CPTC in 1980. He spoke at the anniversary celebration about his tenure at the airport and the description of it.
“That night, that day [September 21, 1980], had to be one of the high points of all our lives, every one of us, who worked on it, dreamed about it, and who thought that being a part of such a dramatic undertaking would be something that would mark us for the rest of our lives – and it has,” Berry said.
An exhibit in the airport’s atrium shows photographs and written passages telling the story of the 1961 airport terminal and developments in aviation that led to the 1980 facility. They also describe the decisions in planning and constructions, and show many of the key figures who played a role in its creation.
The terminal accommodated 37.6 million total passengers during its first full year of operation in 1981. In comparison, it served 88 million total passengers in 2009.
Also on hand to mark the occasion were Valerie Jackson, wife of former Atlanta Mayor Maynard H. Jackson Jr.; Jim Drinkard, assistant general manager of planning and development; other former airport executives and elected officials.
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