CHARLOTTE — American Airlines Group Inc. CEO Robert Isom shared a tantalizing detail last week while appearing at the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance’s annual Economic Outlook. Isom, while sharing his perspective on the importance of the public and private sectors working together, mentioned potential strategy shifts with lease negotiations at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
CLT is home to the airline’s second-largest hub, accounting for 90% of all flights.
“Today, having a hub airport is like being a port city of old,” Isom said. “Now, if you don’t have it, your growth is going to be limited. So, we have this great environment — and shout-out to Haley Gentry, who’s the CEO of Charlotte airport, and City Council. They’ve understood that for decades.”
He went on to say that, with the current American Airlines-led group airline lease at CLT expiring in June 2026, executives must determine the best long-term approach. Airlines help fund renovation and expansion projects at airports through lease payments and shared revenues.
Prior to the current, 10-year lease signed in 2016, city government-owned Charlotte Douglas and the airlines operated under a 30-year lease.
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