The Charlotte City Council approved a new 10.5-year lease agreement with American Airlines and four other carriers on Monday night. The vote clears the way for $2.1 billion in airport expansion and improvement projects.
The capital plan, called CLT Beyond, includes an expansion of Concourse C with additional gates, a new passenger tunnel and renovations to international arrivals.
The agreement supports American Airlines’ presence at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, its second-largest hub. The airline operates roughly 90% of flights there. Its gates are expected to increase from 93 to 109.
Some groups pushed for better pay and working conditions for subcontracted airport workers. The final agreement did not include those provisions, and city officials cited limits under state law.
The new lease takes effect January 1 and includes a potential five-year extension.