Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport officials announced today that Moody’s Investor Service has upgraded the Airport’s Subordinate Lien hybrid bonds to Aa3 from A1. The service also affirmed ATL’s Aa3 rating on the Airport’s General Airport Revenue Bonds.

“Maintaining fiscal discipline today will save money tomorrow,” ATL General Manager Miguel Southwell said today.  “These rating upgrades will give the financial markets continued confidence to invest in the substantial capital improvements we’re about to embark upon.”

Moody’s pointed to ATL’s upcoming master plan implementation as justification for the upgrade and affirmation.  The agency also mentioned the soon-to-be completed negotiations for a twenty year lease agreement with Delta Air Lines as rationale for the ratings decision.  Moody’s analysts expect “…continued strong operational and financial performance” at ATL.