Warrior in airport fight has worked for both sides

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

John Boatright might be the most versatile soldier who has enlisted in the current battle between Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

In just the past six years, Boatright has retired from Delta, presided over major parts of the city-run airport’s multibillion-dollar expansion plan, and now has suddenly become the bare-knuckled heavy for —- of all folks —- Delta, which is trying to pare down that same massive construction initiative as it negotiates a new lease with the airport.

Among other things, Boatright has stymied the airport’s bid to secure bond financing for a proposed $1.68 billion international terminal, and he has not-so-subtly threatened the city in writing that Delta could move some of its flights elsewhere if airport construction costs are not ramped down by $400 million or so.

 … For Boatright, “there is no question that knowing somebody helps out,” said Paul Lapides, director of the corporate governance center at Kennesaw State University. “Is it his fault that he has a lot of experience and very valuable information?”

Barring any restriction on his use of the knowledge he gained during his work for the city, “then he’s free to do that,” Lapides said. “But it’s a good lesson” for employers.