b'70 INDUSTRY INSIDERA Bittersweet GoodbyeI look forward to July 1, 2024,We are fortunate to work with some of the with a profound sense ofindustrys finest professionals, includingBalram B Bheodariachievement. On that day, asstaff and leadership at TSA, CBP, FAA,is retiring as general I had planned nearly a year ago, I willairport stakeholders, contractors and themanager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta retire from my role as general manager ofairlines. Our longstanding relationship withInternational after a Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta InternationalDelta Air Lines, spanning over 95 years,total of more than Airport (ATL). After more than three yearsis a prime example of how mutual respecttwo decades at the airport. One of in this demanding position, leaving theand cooperation can lead to significantseveral notable achievements during incredible people who operate ATL andgrowth and economic opportunities.his executive tenure was leading form our One Team will be a bittersweetThese partnerships demonstrate whatthe airport through the challenging moment. I am forever indebted to thiscan be achieved when we all work towardCOVID-19 pandemic, from drawdown to remarkable team, whose dedication anda common goal: providing safe, secureresumption of its expansive operations.hard work have enriched my life and taughtand exceptional travel experiences forme invaluable lessons.our customers. runway, built a new 12-gate international My history at ATL is unique. I began The aviation industry is vibrant andterminal, a consolidated rental car facility, 22 years ago in Operations and eventuallyrobust today, in large part because of ouran elevated train system and an in-line ascended to the airports top position.advocates. AAAE, ACI-NA and AMACbaggage screening system, among many As I reflect on my two decades of servicealways challenge us to engage in andother projects. to the city of Atlanta and ATL, I ask forinnovate best practices and share ourI was incredibly fortunate to work for your indulgence in sharing a few partingaccrued knowledge across the industry. visionary leaders who built upon the thoughts.I strongly encourage continuedlegacies of mayors William Hartsfield and Endeavors succeed or fail because ofpartnership in the areas of infrastructureMaynard Jackson. Mayors Bill Campbell, the people involved, Gen. Colin Powellfunding, sustainability, diversity andShirley Franklin, Kasim Reed, Keisha wisely said. He could not have been moreinclusion, workforce development andLance-Bottoms and Andre Dickens correct: ATLs success is a testament totechnology, as these areas will strengthenprovided support, encouragement and its 63,000 employees, each responsibleand enrich our industry. direction. Mayor Lance-Bottoms, who for crucial operations. As a retired UnitedAs we look ahead, we plan forappointed me to the top job, and Mayor States Army aviator, I hold a specialcontinued growth. ATL will serve 1 billionDickens, who reaffirmed the appointment, appreciation for Gen. Powell. I would bepassengers in the next decade, manageboth hold a special place in my heart.remiss if I didnt include the rest of his8 million aircraft movements, andtoAdditionally, I would like to acknowledge quote: Only by attracting the best peopleaccommodate all thatcontinue its $10one of my mentors, Ben DeCosta, a will you accomplish great deeds.billion capital improvement program.long-serving ATL general manager, for his Hartsfield-Jackson pays particulardynamic leadership in future-proofing ATL. It is, first and foremost, the people whoattention to the legacy left by formerAs I prepare to embark on the next make ATL such a special place. Mayor Maynard Jackson, Jr., who statedchapter of my life, I am filled with a sense In many ways, managing an enterprisethat communities should be allowed toof optimism. The one certainty I am as complex as ATL is similar to running awork at ATL. Over the next 10 years, ATLblessed with is the unwavering support city. Safety and security are paramount forwill host major events, including the ACIof my family, and for that, I am eternally the nearly 300,000 passengers travelingGlobal Customer Experience Summitgrateful. Looking back at our industrys through our facility daily. It takes thein 2024, AAAEs Annual Conference inachievements, I am confident that the total commitment of dedicated men and2025 and FIFAs World Cup in 2026. Itsfuture holds even greater promise and women to accomplish this. quite a daunting list, but ATL has done itpotential. ATLs success is a testament to thebefore. I look back with pride on our past power of collaboration and coordination.two decades of work. ATL added a fifth July | August 2024AirportImprovement.com'