5. Tracy Montross, Regional Director of Government Affairs for American Airlines
Manage episode 407154287 series 3558342
Did you know that at one point during the pandemic our own Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) was the busiest terminal in the world? It’s a testament to the airline that has helped put Charlotte on the world map in terms of attracting, maintaining, and growing business opportunities around the greater Piedmont region. That and other historic, economic, and strategic facts were shared by our guest Tracy Montross, Regional Director of Government Affairs for American Airlines.
Why should REBIC share information with our members about an airline? With a storied past that begins with North Carolina’s Piedmont Airlines and advances all the way up to the merger of US Air with American Airlines, Charlotte is fortunate to serve as American’s second largest hub, connecting us to the world with an average of 560 daily flights, more than 170 destinations, and 23 countries, serving more than 42 million travelers in 2022. Its regional impact on our economy, huge employment figures and the way it supports our ability to attract world businesses; this is truly a subject REBIC wants you to know about!
The impact for us is staggering. AA serves more than 88% of the traffic in and out of CLT. Boasting over 13,000 employees that includes robust careers in all phases of the operation, they help underpin our growing economy and employment base every day. And if that isn’t enough to tip your wings towards, CLT Airport contributes 5% of the entire GDP for the state of North Carolina.
We asked Tracy what AA is working on now. It was an impressive list. From top to bottom they are exploring ways to shrink their carbon footprint, improving operations and on-time arrivals and departures, and are even launching a new educational program with local schools to help train high school students for specific jobs within the airline industry, including encouraging students to become pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians.
As the hub grows, they are prepared to meet the challenge head on. CLT Airport’s Part 150 study is progressing as the Airport engages the public, development community, and municipal leaders to work together to create a more efficient and effective CLT airport. The Part 150 Study will consider recommendations for reducing current noise impacts from the Airport’s operations and assigning compatible land uses, where practical, to limit additional impacts in the future.
Learn more about it at CLTPart150.com.
19 episodes