ATLANTA, Jan. 31, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the 14th consecutive year, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has earned the title of world's busiest airport. Preliminary data indicate that passenger traffic increased by more than 3.5 percent from 2010 to 2011, making 2011 the busiest year ever for the Airport.
The 2011 total of 92.39 million passengers is 2.6 percent higher than the previous record of 90 million passengers, set in 2008.
"We're growing faster than the North American average, which is no easy feat during these tough economic times," Aviation General Manager Louis Miller said. "With the opening of the international terminal this spring, we're looking forward to continued growth this year and beyond."
Hartsfield-Jackson's passenger numbers increased by 3.53 percent — from 89.24 million in 2010 to 92.39 million in 2011. International passengers increased by 7.86 percent year over year — from 9.14 million to 9.86 million.
Aircraft operations (landings and takeoffs) decreased by 2.75 percent— from 950,119 in 2010 to 923,996 in 2011. Airlines' reduced use of smaller regional aircraft accounted for most of this decrease. International operations increased by 11.09 percent— from 61,916 to 68,781 in 2011.
Total air cargo increased by .61 percent— from 659,129 in 2010 to 663,162 metric tons in 2011. International cargo was flat at 385,178 metric tons in 2011.
Passenger traffic in December increased by 1.17 percent over December 2010 — from 7.13 million to 7.21 million. Aircraft operations decreased by 2.42 percent over the same period — from 76,359 to 74,513. Air cargo decreased by 2.02 percent over that period — from 58,272 to 57,095.
Poised to accommodate the expected growth in international travel for metro Atlanta, the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal and its 12-gate concourse are scheduled to open this spring. The 1.2 million-square-foot facility connects with the existing international concourse, creating a world-class 40-gate travel complex. The international terminal will eliminate the need for Atlanta-bound passengers to recheck their baggage. Passengers will access the international terminal via I-75 at Exit 239.
To view the full traffic report, go to www.atlanta-airport.com/Airport/ATL/operation_statistics.aspx.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson is the world's busiest airport, serving more than 92 million passengers annually with nonstop service to more than 150 U.S. destinations and nearly 80 international destinations in more than 50 countries. The Airport is a frequent recipient of awards of excellence for concessions, operations, architectural engineering and construction ─ including the 2011 Global and North American Airport Efficiency Excellence Award from the Air Transport Research Society (for more information, go to www.atrsworld.org). It is undergoing $6 billion-plus in capital improvements, which include a new, energy-efficient rental car center; a new, 12-gate international terminal (for more information, go to www.atlanta-airport.com/internationalterminal/); and aesthetic and functional upgrades to its concourses, people movers and parking services. For more information, go to www.atlanta-airport.com. Check out the Airport's YouTube channel by visiting www.youtube.com/AtlantaHartsfield, and become a fan on Facebook.
Contact:
Katena Carvajales
(404) 382-2319
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