For Immediate Release
March 4, 2024
Contact:
Office of Corporate Communications and Media Relations
(678) 920-0857
Hartsfield-Jackson to Conduct ‘Big Bird’ Comprehensive Emergency Response Exercise
Airport to simulate an aircraft fire incident, test emergency response capabilities
MEDIA: FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY
ATLANTA – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), in its commitment to safety and operational excellence, is set to conduct “Big Bird,” a large-scale emergency response drill on March 6, 2024. This critical exercise, mandated every 36 months by the Airport Certification Manual and federal regulations, is designed to simulate an aircraft fire incident, testing the coordinated response capabilities of Airport and city emergency services in a realistic scenario.
This year's exercise will feature a simulated aircraft fire, requiring the mobilization of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, Atlanta Police Department, and other essential personnel. Fire Station 33 will play a crucial role in the drill, acting as a makeshift hospital to further enhance the realism of the exercise and test the emergency medical response.
The purpose of Big Bird is to assess and improve the Airport’s ability to respond to large-scale emergencies, ensuring the safety and security of passengers, staff, and the surrounding community. The exercise will employ real equipment and personnel, as would be the case in an actual emergency, providing invaluable experience to all participating entities.
WHO: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Department of Aviation Emergency Management officials
City of Atlanta Fire Department
City of Atlanta Police Department
Volunteers
WHAT: ATL will host the triennial full-scale emergency preparedness exercise, “Big Bird.”
WHEN: Wednesday, March 6
Activities begin at 4:30 a.m.
Moulage Begins — 4:30 a.m.
Exercise Begins — 7:30 a.m.
EMS and Triage Begins — 8:45 a.m.
WHERE: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Moulage: North Cargo Building, 3400 N. Inner Loop Road, Hapeville, GA 30354
Exercise: Fire Training Center, 860 Lake Mirror Rd., Atlanta, GA 30349
NOTES: Media are invited to cover both the moulage process and the actual “Big Bird” exercise. For a smooth and comprehensive exercise coverage, please note the following requirements:
Arrival Time: Be in place by 7:30 a.m.; no entry after this time.
Stay Requirement: Must remain on-site until at least 8:15 a.m.
RSVP: Confirm attendance by emailing media@atl.com by
5 p.m. Monday, March 4.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
ATL is the first airport in history to serve more than 100 million passengers in one year and continues to top passenger totals worldwide. The Airport boasts an annual direct economic impact of $66 billion in the state. A frequent recipient of awards of excellence, ATL is recognized for its leadership in concessions, operations, sustainability, architectural engineering and construction. For more information, visit www.atl.com.
