Hartsfield-Jackson Receives Positive Credit Ratings

ATLANTA, GA–(Marketwire – October 29, 2010) –  Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has received reaffirmed or upgraded credit rating assignments from Fitch Inc. and Moody’s Investors Service relating to bond issuances for financing the construction of the new Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal and to outstanding bonds.

Fitch assigned an A+ rating to the proposed $176 million senior-lien airport general revenue bonds (GARBs) series 2010A and an A rating to the proposed $414 million airport passenger facility charge and subordinate-lien general revenue bonds (PFC hybrid bonds) series 2010B. Moody’s assigned an A1 rating for the GARBs and an A1 rating for the PFC hybrid bonds.

Fitch also reaffirmed an A+ rating on outstanding GARBs and an A rating on outstanding PFC hybrid bonds. Moody’s reaffirmed an A1 rating on outstanding GARBs but upgraded to A1 the rating on outstanding PFC hybrid bonds. Both agencies rated the bond outlook stable.

“We are delighted that these agencies acknowledged Hartsfield-Jackson’s secure financial footing and strong relationships with our tenant airlines by assigning such favorable ratings,” said Louis Miller, Airport general manager. “These ratings will support a project, the international terminal, that will enhance Atlanta’s position as a global gateway and reinforce the Airport’s position as the nation’s most efficient hub.”

The 1.2 million-square-foot Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Airport is scheduled to be complete in spring 2012. The new 12-gate facility will connect via the automated people mover to the 28-gate Concourse E, creating a 40-gate international air travel complex at Hartsfield-Jackson.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson is the world’s busiest airport, serving more than 88 million passengers annually with nonstop service to more than 150 U.S. destinations and more than 80 international destinations in more than 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 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.