Atlanta's airport clocks 100mn passenger traffic in 2015

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has achieved a rare milestone in the global aviation industry by reaching 100-million passenger traffic in 2015. The world's busiest airport says it has become the world's first airport to serve 100 million passengers in a single calendar year. 

Atlanta's airport was keen on its calculations waiting for the 100 millionth passenger to arrive. Larry Kendrick was the 100 millionth passenger, who arrived by Delta flight from Mississippi on 27 December 2015. Kendrick had received a grand welcome at the airport.

USA Today reports that the Atlanta's airport has developed an algorithm tracking passenger numbers right from 1 January 2015. Global accounting firm KPMG has validated the algorithm and participated in a ceremony organized on the occassion of handling 100-million passenger traffic at the airport. 

Miguel Southwell, General Manager at Hartsfield-Jackson airport, said: "For the first time in history, an airport will have 100 million passengers. That's something only Atlanta can claim." The US air travel rose 0.7 percent during holidays, according to AAA Motor Club.

According to a report by International Business Times, Hartsfield-Jackson and Chicago O'Hare International Airport are the most busiest airports. Atlanta airport registered 737,463 flights and 84.8 million passengers, while O'Hare recorded 735,742 flights and 64.6 million passengers during January-October 2015. 

Atlanta has achieved another rare feature as the world's busiest airport for a consecutive 17th year in 2014. The Atlanta's airport witnessed a five percent surge in passenger traffic in 2015, according to Miguel Southwell, General Manager at Hartsfield-Jackson airport. It also achieved the rare distinction of 100 million passengers mark in 2015 as well. 

The Delta Airlines flight, which was carrying the 100 millionth passenger, received a water cannon salute at Atlanta airport, as reported by Travel Weekly. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed said: "Today we're making aviation history." After the Atlanta's airport, Beijing Capital International Airport was ranked as the world's second busiest airport in 2014.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and media crews were present at the airport to greet the 100 millionth passenger. Airport organized the celebrations on the occasion. All of sudden, Kendrick became a celebrity at the airport.

He walked away with gifts worth tens of thousands of dollars including a new Nissan Altima. Kendrick received other gifts including $500 gift card, a two round-trip tickets on Delta. Kendrick has choice to choose any destination within the coverage of Delta Airlines. 

Kendrick was in a jubilant mood and with a surprised tone said: "I've seen a lot of the United States, so Australia is definitely in the mix. Dubai does sound pretty good too. I don't know, it's up in the air."