Our Awesome Airport is Getting Even Better

As we approach the holidays and the traditionally busiest time of year for airports around the globe, it is a great opportunity for us in the Charlotte region to reflect upon how fortunate we are to call one of the best airports in the country our own!

Did you know that Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) id the 7th busiest airport in the world based on departures?

Our airport, which has been one of the fastest growing airports in the nation, had a passenger increase of over 10 percent in 2010 and continues to grow. Here are some proud facts about the best run airport in the nation:

• It is US Airways' largest hub in the nation
• It offers over 700 daily departures
• Provides non-stop daily flights to 137 destinations nationally and internationally
• It serves more than 39 million passengers annually
• It is the lowest cost airport in the nation for any airline
• It was awarded the 2010 "Best Airport Award" by the International Airport Transportation Association
• With its recent $320 million third Parallel Runway, it is among only a handful of airports where 3 planes can land or take off simultaneously
• It offers over 26,000 parking spaces and valet parking services
• It offers one of the absolute best in options for airport dining and shopping. Bars and restaurants at our airport generate over $100 million in annual sales with retail sales accounting for more than $40 million annually

If you are new to our wonderful region and are wondering what started Charlotte's journey from being a small southern town to a major national economic center and tourism destination, look no further than our fabulous Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

I remember back in the late eighties, when I and a handful of other people had the crazy idea of pursuing a dream to build a major convention center in Charlotte; we knew back then that our small but gradually growing airport was our main ticket to reach our goal and destination. Our airport was the beginning to make our city a very accessible place for travelers, and ultimately was the main reason justifying our very challenging efforts to build the Charlotte Convention Center, which opened in 1995.

Without a doubt our airport has been the main catalyst in Charlotte becoming the number two banking center in the nation, the home of the biggest energy company in the country, a major center of commerce and home to a large number of Fortune 500 companies. As our economic development recruiters will tell you, our Charlotte Douglas International Airport is the number one reason for our region's appeal as a hot corporate relocation destination.

As it relates to our region's $5 billion hospitality and tourism industry, our business and the jobs of nearly 70,000 in the region is simply directly related to our airport and its success. As we still celebrate securing the biggest convention in the nation, our remarkable airport was vital in Charlotte securing the 2012 Democratic National Convention. On behalf of our industry I thank you, Jerry Orr, for being the leader of our great airport, for your crucial role in growing our region's economy and more importantly for the positive differences that your leadership has made in the lives of most of us living and working in the Charlotte region.

The best is yet to come for our airport as it is currently going through a major $860 million expansion plan to accommodate more services, growth in passengers and flights, including a new 25-gate international concourse and a new $150 million car rental parking deck adjacent to the main concourse.

Although all of the different projects included in the expansion plan are essential to elevating our airport's standards and abilities, the car rental parking deck (which will be paid for by an existing approved car rental tax) is one that will provide our visitors who are renting cars with a remarkable upgrade, saving of time and easy access from and to the terminal. Currently renters must utilize shuttle services to get to their rental car or returning to the airport, the new car rental parking deck would eliminate need for shuttles as the cars would be within a short walking distance and adjacent to the terminal. Those of you who travel a lot know what an unbelievable amenity this accessibility is, especially if you travel with small children and need a rental car.

Let us be grateful for everything that our wonderful region has to offer, but don't take it for granted and please stay actively involved to keep a good thing going.

For membership information please contact Angela Sherrill at (704) 331-0079 or Angela@CharlotteHTA.com