Robert Kennedy, former president of Kennedy & Associates aviation industry consultants, has been appointed director of marketing, public relations and intergovernmental affairs for the City of Atlanta’s Aviation Department at Hartsfield International Airport.
Mr. Kennedy, who was Hartsfield’s cargo route development manager from 1993 to 1999, left the airport to form his own consulting firm but was encouraged to return as Hartsfield prepares to embark on a $5 billion development program.
“The industry has changed a tremendous amount in the last five months in ways we never envisioned,” he said, explaining that he is looking forward to facing new challenges. He added that he is especially interested in developing ties with Latin America.
“I have always believed in Atlanta’s potential with Latin America,” Mr. Kennedy told GlobalFax. With direct services to that region via Aeromexico Airlines and Delta Air Lines, there will be more opportunities the city can capitalize on in that region,” he added.
He mentioned that the largest Latin American-based air-cargo and transport association, the Association of Latin American Cargo and Air Transport Organizations (ALACAT), will hold its 21st annual congress and exhibition here April 7-10. It is the first time the conference will be held in the U.S., and more than 500 delegates from around the world are expected.
Mr. Kennedy also said he is excited about the airport’s new marketing and community support programs that are aimed at boosting confidence in the aviation industry following Sept. 11.
He said a session on Friday, Jan. 25, 8:30-9:15 a.m. at the Georgia Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Georgia World Congress Center will feature Ben DeCosta, Hartsfield’s general manager, discussing the impact of the airport’s growth on Georgia’s economy.
Contact Mr. Kennedy at (404) 209-2945 ext. 183. Visit www.georgia.org for information on the governor’s tourism conference.