CLT-1_from-CTL-Site-scaled

Source: Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Airport Case Study: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Key Highlights

  • Nearly 96% single airline traffic.
  • Placed common use counters in between proprietary stations.
  • Noticed that ultra-low-cost airlines prefer a common use environment, while some major airlines are more reluctant to change.

 

Charlotte Douglas International Airport has had common use in some form since 2014. This airport is unique in that over 90% of the traffic comes from one airline, American Airlines (AA). Even with their high usage of the airport, AA still participates in the common use program at several of the common use gates. To be able to handle irregular operations in check-in areas more efficiently, CLT installed common use counters in between the proprietary stations. This unique setup gives Charlotte a different experience with common use than many other airports. Additionally, Charlotte operates in one terminal building with differently timed expansions, with some parts built as long ago as 1982 or as recently as April 2022, emphasizing the need to view their operations and infrastructure holistically.

Charlotte has traditional common use systems such as an airport operational database (AODB) and resource management system (RMS) but has also expanded into wayfinding, dynamic signage, and building efficiencies. Not all airlines yet use common use ground service equipment (GSE); some still prefer to use existing proprietary equipment. This GSE is provided by the ground handlers and not the airport itself. The airport also has common use lounges that can be accessed by passengers.

Focus Systems and Services

  • AODB
  • RMS
  • Flight information display system (FIDS)
  • Heatmaps/LIDAR
  • Simplified Arrival with CBP
  • Wayfinding (staffed manager)
  • Lounges/Club
  • JetBridge and GSE ownership
  • Camera ownership
  • Baggage system routing (flexibility)
  • Wi-Fi is provided with separate service set identifiers for different stakeholder groups

Airport Images

CLT 1

FIDS

CLT 2

Check-in Counters

CLT 3

Gates

CLT 4_smaller

Dynamic Signage