Hartsfield-Jackson Recognizes DeCosta’s Decade of Leadership

June 26, 2008

Officials at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are recognizing Benjamin R. DeCosta’s 10th anniversary as general manager of the world’s busiest airport.  June 22 marks DeCosta’s 10th year.   The Airport’s longest-tenured general manager in recent history, DeCosta has set new standards of excellence for his team, but also is recognized nationally as an aviation industry leader.

DeCosta serves on the board of directors for both Airports Council International -North America and the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), the world’s largest organizations of airport professionals.  DeCosta received his Accredited Airport Executive designation from AAAE in 2006, an achievement that further demonstrates his leadership as an airport management professional.

DeCosta was recently named to the AAAE Fuel/Air Service Task Force,  a  national organization that will work to develop aviation-related national energy policy recommendations, in addition to the national Tarmac Delay Task Force, established by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to address lengthy airline on-board ground delays. 

Under DeCosta’s leadership, Atlanta’s Airport has received numerous accolades from industry experts.   Hartsfield-Jackson has been named the most efficient among airports worldwide for several years by the Air Transport Research Society, a global think tank.  DeCosta was also honored in 2007 as Best Airport Director of the Year by Airport Revenue News. Other honors include American Express’ Executive Traveler’s Best Large U.S. Airport honor (2007),  Air Cargo World’s ACE Award for Excellence (2006), ATRS’ Top North American Airport for performance (2001 and 2003), and International Air Transport Association’s Best “Very Large” Airport in Overall Passenger Satisfaction (2003).

DeCosta cites teamwork as the foundation for all of the victories the Airport has enjoyed.  “It’s been my honor to lead such a talented group of professionals,” said DeCosta. “ They helped us overcome the aftermath of September 11, build a fifth runway and deliver excellence in the face of an ever-changing economy.  Because of these employees, Hartsfield-Jackson is positioned to enjoy even greater success in the years to come.”  

A continuation of the success already achieved by DeCosta includes $25 million in upgrades currently underway to the Airport security checkpoints which will lessen security clearance wait time and a $6 billion-plus capital improvement program that includes a consolidated rental car facility opening next year to enhance the rental car process; the Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. International Terminal scheduled to open in 2011 that will handle projected international passenger traffic growth; and upgrades to the Central Passenger Terminal Complex.  Increased and improved concessions options are also on the horizon.