Charlotte Douglas delivers $16.2 billion economic impact, study says

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Douglas International Airport's economic impact on the region more than doubled in some categories in a decade's time, according to a study announced Monday.

A 2015 economic study conducted by UNC Charlotte's Center for Transportation Policy Studies estimated the airport's impact at $16.2 billion. That's up from the estimate in a 2005 study of $9.7 billion.

The study also found that the airport supports 224,410 jobs, which is more than double the estimate of 100,000 from the 2005 study.

"We've seen phenomenal growth in the area as an employment center," said Brent Cagle, CLT aviation director.

Officials said the findings largely affirm what they believed. It comes as several large construction projects are underway to expand the airport and its capabilities.

Channel 9 asked Cagle what growth he hopes to see in the next decade. He said he would like to see a greater balance between connecting and local flights.

"[That] helps encourage growth in international [flights]," Cagle said.

American Airlines and Charlotte Chamber of Commerce officials were on-hand at the unveiling of the study findings Monday.

Terri Pope, vice president of American Airlines' CLT Hub, said the airline is "here to stay in Charlotte."

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