There will be several big changes at Charlotte-Douglas Airport in 2013.

Perhaps the biggest news expected this year is a merger between US Airways, which operates about 90 percent of flights in Charlotte, and American Airlines.

Several analysts expect a merger announcement this month. Some even expect significant news to come as early as next week.

But that is just the beginning.

"2013 is definitely a high water mark for the airport -- even if there's no merger," said Michael Lowrey, who has studied the airline industry for 10 years.

Starting in March, US Airways will fly from Charlotte to London's Heathrow Airport, the preeminent destination in Europe. In May, travelers will also be able to fly US Airways nonstop to Sao Paulo, Brazil. In April, Southwest Airlines will begin flying here.

Then there's $400 million of construction under way. Crews are working on construction of a new hourly parking and rental car deck that is scheduled to open this summer. Later this month, the current hourly deck will be demolished to build the second half.

Later this year, crews will work on expanding the road in front of the terminal to eight lanes.

The intermodal rail yard, which will transfer freight between trucks, trains and planes, is expected to be finished later this year. Those are just some of the many projects currently taking place at the airport.

There's also a lot of speculation about the possible retirement this year of Jerry Orr, the airport's director, who's known as one of the best airport leaders in the country.

"We are unusual in that we have a medium-size city that has a really big hub. Part of that is geography. A lot of that is just good airport management," said Lowrey.

Eyewitness News reporter Holly Maynard spoke with Orr, now in his 70s, on Monday. He told her he thinks about retiring almost every day, but he likes his job and says he still has a lot of unfinished business at the airport.