ATLANTA, GA–(Marketwire – July 13, 2010) –  Direct business revenue generated in metro Atlanta by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has increased by nearly 40 percent — from $23.5 billion in 2005 to $32.6 billion in 2009 — according to a new economic impact study.

The study also indicates that on-Airport jobs increased slightly to about 58,000, up from 56,500 in 2005. Airport-related jobs in the 28-county metro region increased by 11 percent — from 393,100 in 2005 to 434,400 in 2009.

“Hartsfield-Jackson continues to be the dominant economic generator for metro Atlanta and the state of Georgia,” said Robert Kennedy, interim aviation general manager. “Airport jobs paid more than $4.3 billion in wages in 2009.”

Statewide, more than half a million (506,830) jobs were attributed to Hartsfield-Jackson in 2009, up 7 percent from 473,000 in 2005.

The study credited the Airport’s increased economic impact to higher passenger volumes and to longer stays and more spending by visitors.

The study was conducted by the Boston-based Economic Development Research Group and CH2M Hill, in association with the Hartsfield Planning Collaborative. An economic impact study of Hartsfield-Jackson is conducted approximately every four years.

For more information, download the executive summary of the 2009 economic impact study at http://www.atlanta-airport.com/docs/NewsRoom/2009_Economic_Impact_Study_report.pdf.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson is the world’s busiest airport, serving more than 88 million passengers annually with nonstop service to 156 U.S. destinations and more than 80 international destinations in 50 countries. The Airport is a frequent recipient of awards of excellence for concessions, operations, architectural engineering and construction — including being named the World’s Most Efficient Airport in 2010 by 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; 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.