American Airlines is one of the biggest economic engines in North Carolina. Its hub operation at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) independently contributes more than $30 billion to the state economy and supports nearly 150,000 jobs statewide, according to a recent economic impact study conducted by North Carolina State University’s Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE). American is the largest carrier in North Carolina, operating the most flights and more than 70% of all available seats in the state.
The airport is home to American’s second-largest hub, where it operates approximately 90% of departures. CLT plays a significant role in the airline’s operation, connecting tens of millions of customers each year to its global network through the airport. That connecting power brings numerous benefits to North Carolina while providing substantial air service and thousands of well-paying jobs, all of which have a cumulative effect on the state’s economy.
A connection factory
Of the 50 million customers American served at CLT last year, approximately 70% were passengers connecting through the airport. That connection factory enables the airline to operate significantly more air service than is warranted by local demand alone, which brings a host of other benefits for:
- Customers: American’s CLT hub gives North Carolinians more connectivity and access to more destinations and choices in departure times.
- Local businesses: Robust air service provides more opportunities to travel and host clients from across the globe.
- The state and the airport: Connecting customers generate state and local taxes and revenue for the airport, while the size of the operation involves thousands of well-paying jobs in the state.
- Business development: Companies value air service when looking to expand or relocate, and the breadth of service provided by a hub operation makes Charlotte a more attractive place for economic development.
Supporting 150,000 jobs statewide
The ITRE study reports that the economic output of the hub supports nearly 150,000 jobs statewide. Since 2020, American has grown its workforce by more than 25% at CLT. It also employs 1,400 team members in North Carolina at two reservation call centers and operates a flight training center, maintenance operation and crew member bases.
In addition to air service, the study identified economic impact from American’s employment, procurement, facilities and cargo operations, as well as the airline’s contribution to capital expenditures. Visitor spending also contributes to its economic impact, which includes revenue generated from activities like concessions and parking at the airport.
PSA headquarters relocates to Charlotte
In addition to the $30 billion economic output, the ITRE study identified nearly $230 million attributed to one of American’s wholly owned regional carriers, PSA Airlines, relocating its headquarters from Dayton, Ohio, to Charlotte. The 400 jobs relocated to North Carolina are expected to support an additional 470 jobs with suppliers and businesses across the state. The headquarters will generate $10 million in state and local tax revenue every year.
A global destination
American, along with its wholly owned regional carriers, operates more than 670 peak-daily departures from CLT and about 810 daily departures statewide. American serves more than 170 destinations from CLT, including 41 international destinations, like new service to Athens, Greece, starting in June.
With 10 daily flights from CLT to Europe, including to Dublin; Frankfurt, Germany; London; Madrid; Paris; Munich; Rome; and Athens, the study found that American’s trans-Atlantic service is responsible for thousands of annual overseas visitors to the state that would otherwise not have visited and has spurred foreign business development across the state, particularly with German-based companies. The airline also provides four daily flights to London-Heathrow (LHR) — one from Raleigh-Durham (RDU) and three from CLT.
The CLT hub has also facilitated growth across eight North Carolina airports, like RDU, as well as Asheville (AVL) and Wilmington (ILM) — both of which have grown more than 200% and 100% respectively over the past two decades thanks to multiple daily nonstop flights to CLT and other destinations.
Attracting tourism and major events
Robust air service makes cities more attractive for tourism and events. As the Official Airline of the PGA Championship taking place in Charlotte this weekend, American is proud to bring golf fans from across its network to enjoy the event in the Queen City. The airline sponsors other significant events that will bring travelers to the state through its designation as the Official Airline of U.S. Soccer, the Official North American Airline Supplier of FIFA World Cup 26TM and its partnership with the Charlotte Sports Foundation.
Capital improvement projects
American has invested $3 billion in infrastructure projects at CLT currently underway to enhance the customer experience. This includes the Terminal Lobby Expansion (TLE) project set to be completed by the end of the year, as well as the fourth parallel runway expected to be commissioned in 2027. The TLE offers a modernized ticket lobby, expanded passenger security screening checkpoints and new induction locations for checked baggage. Once complete, the new runway will allow American to increase capacity to meet future demand and better serve customers.
View the full report on the economic contributions of American’s hub on the ITRE website.
