Press Release|Public Finance
KBRA Assigns AA+ Rating with Stable Outlook for the City of Atlanta, GA GARBs and PFC Hybrid Bonds 2023 Issuance
31 Jul 2023 | New York
KBRA assigns the long-term rating of AA+ with a Stable Outlook for the City of Atlanta, GA Airport General Revenue Bonds, Series 2023B (Non-AMT) and Series 2023C (AMT), Airport Passenger Facility Charge and Subordinate Lien General Revenue Bonds, Series 2023D (Non-AMT) and Series 2023E (AMT), and Airport General Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2023F (Non-AMT) and Series 2023G (AMT).
Key Credit Considerations
Credit Positives
- Growing population and economic base, and favorable location and facilities support Delta’s primary hub, and underpins ATL’s position as busiest airport in the world.
- Highly effective management team that implemented initiative-taking measures and steered the Airport through the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Favorable metrics feature an extremely competitive CPE and elevated coverage of General Revenue and Hybrid PFC Bond debt service.
Credit Challenges
- High carrier concentration with Delta representing more than 80% of enplaned passengers.
- Connecting traffic is a significant component of overall enplanement activity.
- Large capital program has associated execution and construction risk.
Rating Sensitivities
For Upgrade
- Timely, and on-budget completion of planned capital projects with debt and financial metrics exceeding the base forecast.
For Downgrade
- While a highly remote prospect, reduced importance of ATL as Delta’s primary hub.
To access rating and relevant documents, click here.