ATLANTA - Mayor Shirley Franklin is encouraging AirTran Airways to look at Atlanta as its headquarters now that the wheels are in motion for a new $14.5 million hangar. <br>
<br>
Tuesday, the Atlanta City Council approved AirTran's proposal for a new maintenance hangar and office space at Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport. <br>
<br>
Hartsfield would own the hangar and office complex and lease it to AirTran under a deal negotiated by the airline and airport officials. <br>
<br>
Hartsfield would reimburse AirTran for up to $14.5 million in construction costs -- using airport funds. AirTran would lease the complex at an amount calculated to repay the city in 20 years, plus nine percent interest. <br>
<br>
The original proposal would have allowed AirTran to back out of the lease in 2010 before paying the whole amount. The new terms stipulate that AirTran is obligated for the full 20 years. <br>
<br>
An AirTran spokesman says the carrier does not plan to move from its Orlando, Florida headquarters. <br>
<br>
Construction is to begin this winter and be completed in a year.
