Stimulus bill will bring much-needed help to airport, Delta employees

ATLANTA — One of Georgia’s key economic engines is Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport -- the world's busiest airport.

It’s also home to Delta Air Lines, Atlanta's largest employer. So relief from the newly signed $2 trillion stimulus package is crucial.

“Under the third stimulus bill, the money coming to Delta will make a huge difference for its employees and for the company,” said Channel 2 consumer adviser Clark Howard.

Delta had been in great financial shape just six weeks ago, but with empty planes, it's been hemorrhaging cash.

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The relief bill gives $29 billion to U.S. airlines. The bill requires the airlines to limit pay cuts and layoffs.

“So Delta employees can feel safe about their jobs and their futures,” Howard said.

But what about the employees at our airport itself, such as the tens of thousands working in all sorts of areas?

Channel 2’s Justin Farmer contacted the city of Atlanta and the airport’s general manager, John Selden, on Friday.

They told him that the city has granted four months of rent relief for restaurants, rental car companies and similar, provided they use those funds to retain employees.

From Delta to the airport, everyone seems confident that as soon as the virus washes out, the flying will resume for work and play.

In the meantime, Farmer learned that cargo flights are way up, which helps revenue and construction projects at the airport move along very efficiently.

Delta says cutbacks happening due to coronavirus The changes include hiring freeze

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