Gwinnett Chamber On Topic Luncheon, presented by Porter Steel
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was highlighted as a leading driver of business growth, global connectivity, and supply chain movement at the Gwinnett Chamber On Topic Luncheon presented by Porter Steel, featuring General Manager Ricky Smith. Marking its 100th year, ATL continues to serve as the largest economic engine in the Southeast Mega Region, supporting regional commerce, workforce mobility, and international business access.
The airport currently manages more than 2,100 daily takeoffs and landings — an aircraft every 40 seconds — across five parallel runways capable of supporting multiple simultaneous departures. Despite this scale, Smith noted that demand continues to exceed capacity. Annual passenger traffic is approximately 106 million, with projections of 130 million within five years and long-term planning for up to 160 million passengers annually. ATL supports roughly 380,000 jobs across the region, including 63,000 onsite roles, many held by Gwinnett residents, reinforcing its role in economic development and workforce connectivity.
Hartsfield-Jackson also remains a major hub for global business travel and networking connectivity, offering nonstop flights to destinations worldwide multiple times daily. Cargo and supply chain growth remains a priority, with 19 freight carriers currently operating and additional capacity identified for expansion. Major investments under the ATL NEXT capital program include a $205M aviation center (2026), $441M South Parking Deck Phase 1 (this summer), $104M in security upgrades, and a $1.4B Concourse D expansion (2029).
Together, these initiatives reinforce ATL’s role as a global hub for business, logistics, and economic growth. Interested in opportunities like this one? Check out our upcoming events online.
