The Federal Aviation Administration transitioned into its new Air Traffic Control Tower at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Feb. 22. For passengers, the move will mean fewer delays due to NextGen technology that improves the on-time performance of departing flights.
The 370-foot-tall Air Traffic Control Tower and radar approach control, located on the airfield's south side, are twice the size of the old 150-foot tower that was commissioned in 1979.
“We are excited about the opening of the new FAA tower,” said CLT’s CEO Haley Gentry. “It is a momentous occasion in the Airport’s history as we continue to grow our operations and serve our rising passenger numbers.”
The new tower is the fifth busiest tower in the world and the second tallest FAA tower in the National Airspace System (NAS), behind the 398-foot tower at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Construction began in the spring of 2016 and provides the FAA with adequate space to operate CLT’s expanded airfield and enough height for air traffic controllers to have a clear view of the entire airfield. The estimated final cost of the project is $95 million.
“CLT is one of the busiest and fastest-growing airports in the world,” Gentry said. “The new tower will allow us to remain on course to building an airfield that will serve us for decades to come.”
The virtual tower commissioning will be held at 10 a.m. on April 5. Speakers will include Gentry, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and FAA Deputy Administrator Bradley Mims.