Training, Safety, and Team Transformation at the World’s Busiest Airport

Learn how training at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport improves safety, career growth & operations through tailored programs.

At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport, a quiet but powerful transformation is unfolding behind the scenes. A new facilities maintenance training division focused on safety and employee development is reshaping how teams operate. Yolanda Keys stands at the center of this shift.

Built for the Front Lines: A Division Dedicated to Maintenance Training

The airport’s demand for consistent, equitable training across all shifts drove the creation of this division. From HVAC technicians and electricians to groundskeepers and airfield lighting specialists, every role receives tailored, discipline-specific development.

“This department was created to cater specifically to maintenance,” Keys explained. “Now we can deliver training that fits the real needs of each discipline.” Every employee is now properly trained and certified—whether on runways or within terminal systems.

Field-First Training, Built Around Real Needs

With a lean team—one specialist each for equipment training, soft skills, and safety leadership—Keys visits crews in the field to ensure PPE compliance, hydration, and well-being. “We’re building a culture of visibility and care,” she said.

Training spans everything from heat illness prevention to hazardous spill response, alongside soft-skill sessions like emotional intelligence and Seven Habits, to improve teamwork. “At first, people were skeptical,” she recalled. “Now, they’re asking when the next session is.”

Platforms like ARC Facilities offer real-time access to building plans, equipment manuals, and emergency protocols. This digital access reinforces onboarding and supports ongoing training in high-pressure situations.

Want to learn how ARC Facilities can help drive impact? Contact our team.

Compliance, Coordination, and Communication

Airport complexity makes regulatory compliance essential. Keys’ team collaborates with airport-wide safety groups and municipal governance to align policies and procedures—especially because the facility is municipally owned. OSHA-30 certification is part of the roster, shaped in coordination with safety managers to define new initiatives.

Supporting nighttime runway maintenance requires careful scheduling to avoid disrupting operations. Digital access to safety checklists, fillable forms, and standard operating procedures would further enhance coordination, task accuracy, and communication efficiency during fast-paced operations.

When Nature Disrupts Operations: Staying Ready on the Ground

Atlanta’s summer storms complicate fundamental tasks like mowing yet make them more critical—tall grass threatens pilot visibility and heat adds stress. Wildlife such as coyotes, rabbits, and birds pose hazards near airfields.

The airport now tracks bird strikes and species to improve mitigation strategies. Field access to digital documents—fencing standards, mowing schedules, and wildlife control protocols—helps crews adapt swiftly to changing conditions.

Safety Tech and Measurable Impact

Keys’ team reviews in-vehicle camera footage to identify safety risks and works with supervisors to address issues. Training outcomes are tracked and feedback solicited after each session.

“We’re starting to build a story with data,” she noted. Positive word of mouth is becoming a powerful tool: “If someone likes a session, they tell their team.” In the future, the goal is fewer equipment incidents and workplace injuries.

Tools that log training activity, equipment usage, and incident reports can help preserve institutional knowledge, build a living safety playbook, and track continuous improvement.

Creating Career Pathways

A major focus is professional development and career advancement. Keys explained: “If you earn these certifications, it can lead to promotions or leadership roles.” Many employees were previously unaware of these possibilities, but that’s changing fast.

Now, staff proactively request training—something that never occurred before.

Beyond the Runway

“Airports are their own ecosystem,” Keys stated. Every task—from PPE checks to barbed-wire fence maintenance—serves a purpose, such as preventing bird strikes or deterring wildlife.

Digitizing operations through a platform like ARC Facilities strengthens shift-to-shift continuity, boosts situational awareness, and embeds routine tasks within easily accessible documentation.

The Road Ahead

Though still early, the impact is already unmistakable. “The AGM created this division because he saw the need,” Keys said. “With the right training and communication, we’re building a better work environment.”

With a new General Manager and Deputy General Manager coming aboard soon, Keys is optimistic. She plans to advocate for tools like a centralized platform for evacuation plans and building information.