The runway, the first of three southern runways from the terminal, is about 11,890 feet. The airport wants to add 500 feet to its eastern end and possibly another 900 feet on the western side. Diaz said he did not have a precise cost for the project.

Diaz told the Transportation Committee that in extremely hot weather, big jets taking off from Hartsfield often have to shed fuel or cargo. That results in a revenue loss on cargo or a refueling stop on long trips.

The lengthened runway, he said, would permit the long-haul jets to take off during any weather condition with full loads.

Diaz said the airport was specifically concerned about Boeing 747s, the long-haul aircraft used by Northwest.

The airline, according to its Web site, has 30 of the aircraft --- 16 of the 400-passenger 747-400s and 14 of the freight-hauler 747-200s.