APRIL 20, 2023 - Charlotte Douglas International Airport leadership and Mayor Vi Lyles welcomed U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Wednesday, March 29, for a first-hand look at CLT’s enhanced operational safety and airfield investments.
The Charlotte stop was the first of four airport visits for the secretary as part of President Joe Biden’s Investing in America tour.
The secretary toured the new 370-foot-tall, state-of-the-art air traffic control tower with Federal Aviation Administration officials, followed by an airfield visit.
Buttigieg’s airfield tour offered a glimpse into CLT’s future and Destination CLT, the Airport’s $3.1 billion capital investment in capacity enhancements. Aviation Department leaders shared plans for a new parallel runway, associated taxiway system and end-around taxiways that will enhance capacity and operational safety.
“Good design and wise investments can reduce the chances for close calls or crashes,” Buttigieg said on Twitter. “Work at Charlotte Douglas International Airport will reduce the need for planes to cross active runways and improve safety on our airfields.”
These upgrades include a new 10,000-foot runway that will expand airfield capacity to handle a growing number of flights. Forecasts show the runway will add 20 additional arrivals and departures during peak hours in 2028 and 32 in 2033.
The north end-around taxiway will improve safety by providing an unimpeded taxi route between the passenger terminal and the west airfield, reducing congestion on the terminal ramp.
The south crossfield taxiway will eliminate long tarmac delays and the need for planes to cross an active runway to get to the gate.
As the Airport makes airfield improvements, CLT is making positive impacts that reduce the carbon footprint.
The addition of the end-around taxiways give aircraft the capability for continued movement, which reduces aircraft operating time, fuel burn and emissions. Ultimately, passengers to get to and from their destinations more quickly.
The new deicing pad, Taxiway F extension and south crossfield taxiway project will improve air quality due to improved aircraft circulation on the ramp and increased operating efficiency.
Buttigieg is the third Secretary of Transportation to visit CLT. Norman Mineta toured the Airport on Aug. 14, 2003, and Anthony Foxx, a former Mayor of Charlotte, returned to his hometown for the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower groundbreaking ceremony in June 2016.