Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is to offer financial incentives for the first time to airlines who start up new international routes from the airport.
Eyeing better links to the world’s fastest growing developing economies and increasing cargo business, airport officials have detailed a five-year incentive program being put before the Atlanta City Council for approval.
Starting in July, the plan would waive landing fees for one year for airlines introducing a new international route not already served at Atlanta and cargo carriers would be waived parking fees at the airport’s cargo center.
For routes to emerging markets including Africa, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia, airlines would have landing fees waived for 18 months.
New routes to Brazil, Russia, India, Indonesia, China and South Africa are classed as ‘premium’ destinations, and airport officials are offering no fees payable for the first two years, along with help funding promotions for passenger flights.
Though a first for Atlanta, many airports offer similar incentives, according to interim director of business development Jason Terreri.
"When we meet with airlines, this is the first question they ask: Does Atlanta have an air service incentive program?" said Terreri.
Incentives will be offered on a "first-come, first-served basis" and will be capped at $2 million a year, he said.
The program also allows for free landing fees when airlines increase frequency on an international route.
