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- A new Airline Use and Lease Agreement between Charlotte Douglas
International Airport (CLT), American Airlines and other signatory carriers
has been approved, establishing a framework for continued growth and
investment at the airport.
- The agreement paves the way for approximately $2 billion in
airline-funded infrastructure investment through the CLT Beyond capital
program, including an expansion of Concourse C and improvements across the
terminal, airfield and airport facilities.
- Building on more than 40 years of American’s commitment to Charlotte and
the Carolinas, the 10.5-year agreement sets the stage for future growth at
the airline’s second-largest hub.
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — American Airlines and other
signatory carriers reached a new Airline Use and Lease Agreement with Charlotte
Douglas International Airport (CLT), approved by Charlotte City Council. The
new agreement is a great deal for taxpayers, unlocking significant
airline-funded infrastructure investments to support continued growth and
enhance the experience for customers traveling to, through and from
Charlotte.
The agreement includes approximately $2 billion in preapproved capital
improvements through the CLT Beyond program spanning the terminal, airfield and
key airport facilities, positioning CLT and the region for future growth. These
projects will create jobs and opportunities for small businesses to serve the
airport and enable even more international air service in the future.
“For more than 40 years, American has grown alongside Charlotte, helping
transform CLT into a global gateway while creating jobs and driving economic
growth across the Carolinas and beyond,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “We
are grateful to the City of Charlotte, the airport, Mayor Harrington, the City
Manager, the City Council and our many partners for their commitment to shaping
the next era at CLT together. The investments this new lease enables will
create new opportunities, strengthen Charlotte’s connections to global business
and tourism, and build an airport that will serve our customers, our team
members and this community for decades to come.”
Among the planned improvements are an expanded Concourse C with additional
gates, renovated international arrivals facilities, airfield improvements,
modernization of critical airport infrastructure and planning for the airport’s
next phase of growth.
The 10.5-year agreement begins Jan. 1, 2027, and extends through June 30,
2037. It reflects a shared long-term vision among the airport, American and
other signatory airlines to keep CLT competitive, financially strong and
positioned for responsible growth.
“This agreement reflects the power of partnership and a shared belief in
Charlotte’s future,” said CLT Airport CEO Haley Gentry. “Together with
American, we are advancing the infrastructure needed to serve our growing
region, strengthen the customer journey and ensure CLT remains a leading
global gateway for decades to come.”
American’s commitment as Charlotte’s hometown airline
American’s commitment in Charlotte spans more than four decades, building
CLT into its second-largest hub and advancing the airport’s role as a global
gateway. Today, CLT is a cornerstone of American’s network, with up to
650 daily departures that bring global travelers to Charlotte, connect
Charlotte to the world and provide seamless connections through CLT to more
than 180 destinations across 27 countries.
Approximately 16,500 American Airlines team members are based in Charlotte,
making the airline one of the region’s largest employers that continues to lead
the way in career growth, workforce development and economic mobility.
“American’s commitment to Charlotte is reflected in what we continue to
build here: sustained investment, strong partnerships and one of the world’s
largest hub operations, powered by thousands of dedicated team members,” said
American’s Senior Vice President of CLT Operations Ralph Lopez Massas. “And
we’re not slowing down. We’re investing in our team, operation and customers
to make CLT even stronger and unlock new opportunities for Charlotte and the
communities we serve.”
Investing in the travel journey to, through and from
Charlotte
The airport capital program complements other significant investments
American is making to enhance the travel experience at CLT.
-
A premium experience bigger than ever: American plans to
open the
largest Admirals Club® lounge in its network at CLT. The new
space will span more than 40,000 square feet and be centrally located in
the airport’s atrium mezzanine, drawing inspiration from Charlotte’s unique
character and southern charm. American has also announced plans to
introduce Charlotte to its first-ever Flagship® lounge as part
of its ongoing investments at the hub.
- Connecting Charlotte with the world: In summer 2027,
American will operate its largest-ever trans-Atlantic schedule from CLT, with
11 daily flights to nine European destinations. The schedule includes new
nonstop service to Barcelona, Spain (BCN), alongside service to Athens,
Greece (ATH); Dublin (DUB); Frankfurt, Germany (FRA); London (LHR); Madrid
(MAD); Munich (MUC); Paris (CDG); and Rome (FCO).
- Building an even stronger operation: American continues
to invest in its team, schedule and technology to deliver a more reliable
operation and an enhanced customer experience. Those investments are driving
results, with the CLT team achieving record operational performance and
customer satisfaction while caring for approximately 80,000 customers and
50,000 bags a day.
Fueling North Carolina’s economic engine
American’s CLT hub contributes
more than $30 billion to North Carolina’s economy and supports more than
150,000 jobs statewide.
-
Building aviation career pathways: American and the
Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) Charlotte campus
recently expanded their partnership to provide pathways to aspiring
aircraft mechanics. American is also funding $25,000 in scholarships to
local high school students with AIM offering thousands of dollars in
tuition support to CLT airport workers, regardless of
employer.
- Creating opportunity for Charlotte: American works with
Charlotte-area schools, colleges, universities and workforce organizations to
connect residents with aviation careers and strengthen the region’s talent
pipeline.
- Part of the fabric of Charlotte: American’s purpose to
care for people on life’s journey is embedded throughout the community.
American is an Official Airline of the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC and
supports local organizations and volunteer projects throughout the year that
make Charlotte stronger.
“CLT’s success is inseparable from Charlotte’s success,” Isom added. “We
are proud to be Charlotte’s hometown airline, and we look forward to
continuing to invest in the people, infrastructure and connections that will
move this region forward for generations.”
About American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL)
American Airlines is a premium global airline connecting more of the U.S. to
the world. With roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern
United States in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to
more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200
million customers annually. Powered by a proud and talented team of 130,000
aviation professionals, American’s team lives out the airline’s purpose of
caring for people on life’s journey every day.
The world’s largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial year in 2026,
reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and the Forever
Forward℠ spirit that changed the industry and the world. American introduced
the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and the first
airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer experience
today. The airline is also a founding member of the oneworld
alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe.
Get the latest about American at news.aa.com and
@AmericanAir.