THE BRISCOE DIFFERENCE

A Complimentary Alternative

The vision for Briscoe Field is unique and dynamic, one that transports the passenger back to a bygone era when there was civility in travel. Taking to the skies used to be an enjoyable, anticipated experience and we intend to bring that back. Our goal is to set the standard for airports across the country with an emphasis on customer service and quality care. An airport is a gateway into the hearts and minds of the community which it serves and Briscoe Field must reflect the best that the County offers.

Gwinnett has always been a leader and its airport should as well. As a local, regional doorway, Briscoe will be an "origination and destination" airport, allowing travelers simple access to their flights without the hassle and inconvenience of a congested “hub” airport. As a privatized airport, the focus has to be on providing an exceptional experience which builds loyalty and sustainability. Quality service combined with state-of-the-art amenities such as Wi-Fi, valet parking, early bag check, great food and entertainment will make you want to travel again.

The Current Situation

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world and accounts for over $24 billion in economic impact per year and is responsible (both directly and indirectly) for over 400,000 jobs. With 90 million passengers traveling through Hartsfield last year and an expected 121 million by the year 2015 the airports growth will bring important economic development to the state. It would be hard to dispute the significance that Hartsfield-Jackson has had and will continue to have on the strength of the City of Atlanta, the metropolitan region and the State of Georgia as a whole.

However, the impact on the community is not all upside. In this case, because of the airport's design as well as its projected growth will come increased frustration with traffic and travel times in the air and on the ground. Some current travel statistics for Hartsfield-Jackson are as follows:

It is important to understand that the majority of travelers that utilize Hartsfield-Jackson never leave the terminal. They are connecting from one city to another. In fact over 87% of travelers live in other cities. The airport was designed to serve connecting traffic efficiently. But with a focus on connecting traffic, Hartsfield-Jackson has become large and cumbersome. The size of the airport means the distances between one's car and the gate, from the gate to baggage claim, and from the terminal to the rental car facilities are considerable. The fact that Hartsfield-Jackson is a connecting hub has the advantage of providing Atlanta with more flights to more destinations than would otherwise be possible; however for the passenger originating or visiting Atlanta the size and scale of the connecting facility is often overwhelming.

Hartsfield-Jackson's main customers are not the residents of metro Atlanta, nor are they people who are visiting Atlanta. In industry terms, Hartsfield-Jackson is not principally an Origin and Destination ("O and D") airport. An O&D airport is designed primarily for people originating or terminating their travel in the local metro area. Therein represents one of the main opportunities in privatizing Gwinnett County Airport at Briscoe Field and redeveloping the site. Due to Gwinnett County's strategic location near the heart of metro Atlanta and close to where most residents and businesses are located as well as high quality highway access, it is a prime candidate for an airport which would be designed for the local community and its visitors. It is interesting to note that Atlanta is the only major city in the United States that doesn't have a secondary commercial airport.

By no means is this airport intended to ever be a "second" Hartsfield-Jackson in any way shape or form. For example, on average during a normal business day Hartsfield-Jackson accommodates 150 flights per hour. It is envisioned that Gwinnett County Airport would handle approximately four commercial flights per hour. Currently, the airport averages between 10 - 15 general aviation (private) flights per hour. Hartsfield-Jackson has 196 gates and it is envisioned that Gwinnett County Airport would have ten.

The primary reason to develop this airport is for the citizens who live and work in metro Atlanta. Click here to find a series of frequently asked questions and answers which will give further insight about the partnership for progress that we are proposing to the citizens of Gwinnett County.