The city of Atlanta has suspended the minimum annual guarantee payment obligation for concessionaires and rental car companies at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) for a four-month period ending June 20.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms signed the legislation, calling it an effort to allow those businesses to assist employees experiencing reduced hours and wages.
“Atlanta families—many of whom are already living paycheck to paycheck—will be overburdened if we do not provide much-needed economic relief immediately,” says Bottoms. “We are asking our business partners to continue showing compassion toward their employees, and when possible, provide continuity of pay for their hourly associates.”
The city may extend the action for an additional 30-day period, “if the COVID-19 pandemic is still active and it is in the best interest of the City.” Once the emergency rental payment term expires, concessionaires will be required to resume normal rental payments.
“We are thankful that the Mayor and City Council were able to find a way to give our concessionaires some much needed relief by reducing their rent during these uncertain times,” says ATL general manager, John Selden. “Further, in an effort to mitigate the financial impact to our airline partners, the Department of Aviation is working closely with the Mayor on a plan to issue advanced credits that will give these partners immediate rent relief. The relief should help stabilize our airline partners as they deal with any financial hardships caused by the pandemic.”
