47 AirportImprovement.com September 2026 PARKING ATL Lee “helps travelers stay in an upbeat and enthusiastic mood” as they move between the terminal and parking deck, says Galbreath. “The terrazzo artwork allows that very utilitarian bridge to become something beautiful,” adds Taroco. As with other ATL projects, facility designers were instructed to incorporate eco-friendly elements where possible and feasible. There are 866 parking spaces throughout the structure capable of accommodating electric vehicles, and 167 associated charging stations. “Sustainability is a little bit more challenging for a parking project than for terminal facilities,” Taroco acknowledges. That said, the electric vehicle infrastructure, energy-smart lighting and high-efficiency HVAC systems helped the garage earn Park Smart Silver certification, an international sustainability rating administered by Green Business Certification Inc. and the International Parking and Mobility Institute. In addition, the office portion of the new structure is on track for Gold LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The Next Phase Airport officials are constantly reassessing parking needs to ensure that ATL’s facilities can accommodate current and projected traffic growth. In early July, the South Parking Deck was closed and crews began salvaging technology that can be repurposed elsewhere before the aging infrastructure is demolished. “We’re carefully planning and coordinating when we are going to start demolition to minimize interruptions to airport operations,” Taroco notes. Galbreath says he’s excited about the ways Phase Two parking improvements will create an even better experience for travelers at ATL. “This facility [the South Red Deck] is just the beginning for us as we grow our capacity for parking and our integration of technology,” he says. Providing a parking experience that’s customer-friendly, convenient and hassle-free will help enhance the customer experience and airport revenue, he adds. Last fiscal year, parking operations generated about 24% of the airport’s total revenue and 43% of non-aeronautical revenue. “If we can maintain a high level of customer satisfaction, then from a revenue generation perspective, we all benefit because we’re able to push those revenues back into further development for job creation and an overall good airport experience,” he concludes.
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