Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport

Bye-bye ATL clocktower. Hello 100th anniversary exhibit.

Airports

The landmark clock tower that stood in the Domestic Terminal Atrium at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) for 33 years is gone.

For more than three decades the ATL clocktower served as a gathering point, a meeting spot and a helpful timepiece for travelers.

But time marches on. And ATL officials felt it was time for the clock tower to go so that the atirum can evolve “to meet the needs of the future.”

New exhibit honors 100 Years of Atlanta Airport


ATL’s iconic clocktower may be gone, but the new exhibit in the Transportation Mall between Concourses D & E on the Plane Train level is intended to be permanent.

Unveiled last week, the “Blue Skies: 100 Years of the Atlanta Airport” exhibition highlights the Airport’s century-long evolution from its first commercial flight in 1926 to its position as the world’s busiest airport.

The exhibit explores milestones such as the growth of Delta Air Lines, the Airport’s role during the Civil Rights Movement and the launch of Atlanta’s first nonstop international flight.

Travelers can also learn about ATL’s rise to the world’s busiest airport back in 1998, the airport’s role in the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games and the Airport’s ongoing expansion and modernization plans.

Featured artifacts include historic airline uniforms and signage – including a working flip board – a large-scale model of a Pitcairn Mailwing airmail plane, and an original rotating beacon that was once mounted on top of the airport’s control tower.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport turning 100

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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) will turn 100 in 2025. And to mark the occasion the airport is launching 18 months of celebrations starting on New Year’s Eve.

As 2024 rolls over to 2025, ATL’s canopies will display a New Year’s countdown and a special centennial design that will be visible most nights of the year.

We haven’t seen the centennial design yet, but based on previous designs – like this rainbow version – we’re looking forward to something snazzy.

In addition to the New Year’s Eve countdown, ATL centennial events will include a centennial gala, art displays, stories documenting the Airport’s history, and a look ahead to the future.

In the meantime, ATL is sharing some historical milestones:

*On April 16, 1925, Walter Sims, the 44th mayor of Atlanta, signed a five-year lease for an abandoned auto racetrack that City Council member William Hartsfield thought would make a good airfield.

*The first commercial flight into what was then known as Candler Field, took place on Sept. 15, 1926 when Florida Airways delivered mail on the Tampa/Jacksonville/Atlanta route.

*William Hartsfield served as the 47th and 49th mayor of Atlanta. And when he died, in 1971, the Airport’s name was changed to William B. Hartsfield Atlanta Airport.

*In October 2003, the Airport’s name was changed again to honor Maynard Jackson, the city’s first Black mayor who served as the city’s 52nd and 54th mayor.

Batter up: IHOP Express opens at ATL Airport

Food, ,

pancake

The first IHOP Express in an airport opened at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) on Tuesday, in the pre-security atrium.

IHOP

Opening Day at IHOP Express. Courtesy Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

 

This modern-day version of the iconic pancake-house brand is open 24 hours a day and has seating for 120 people. And in addition to sit-down service, it’s got a “Grab and Go” section, serves beer and wine and – brilliant move – even has a place for diners to store their luggage.

Batter up!