Seven Year Lease At The World's Busiest Airport

Delta Airlines and the city of Atlanta have come to terms on a seven year lease for the legacy carrier at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The two parties signed the pact Monday.

At stake was a new $1.3 billion international terminal at the airport, for which The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports Delta will back up a bond issue.

“The lease extension confirms the airport will be a major player in the economic recovery of the city and state,” Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin said in a statement. “As Delta makes business decisions across the globe, the continuing airline/airport partnership will ensure Atlanta’s position as its primary hub.”

The deal keeps Hartsfield-Jackson as Delta's primary hub through at least 2017. A new lease negotiation will get underway when two years are left on the current agreement.

The signing brings two years of sometimes-contentious negotiations between Delta and the city to a close. The deal signed allows the city to bring in new carriers, but also cements Delta's position at the airport.

The city council approved the package November 16 with no dissenting votes. The council had to prove to the FAA that Hartsfield-Jackson would remain competitive under the terms of the pact. Sources close to the negotiations said Delta wanted to have the agreement signed before Mayor Franklin leaves office December 31.

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