When combined with last year’s passenger numbers, the 563,139 metric tonnes of cargo Atlanta handled in 2010 helped the airport remain the busiest airport in the world in terms of takeoffs and landings. Atlanta took the crown for the fifth year in a row despite experiencing a 2.07 percent drop in operations last year.

"We are pleased that Hartsfield-Jackson has grown both its passenger and air cargo numbers during 2010 and is recognized as the world's busiest passenger airport again," said Aviation General Manager Louis Miller. "We anticipate further growth during 2011 as we focus our energies on being the global leader in airport efficiency and customer service excellence."

Cargoitalia is the most recent cargo airline to set up services in Atlanta. It will begin a twice-weekly MD11 freighter service between Milan and Atlanta via New York in early February. According to the airline, this will be the first main-deck cargo service between Milan and Atlanta. The new service will be marketed by Heavyweight Air Express, which represents the airline throughout the U.S. Asiana Airlines began cargo services in Atlanta last September.