June 2025 Luncheon: “Soaring to New Heights: American Airlines Real Esate Leaders Driving CLT’s Aviation Powerhouse into the Future”
Submitted by Stephanie Jenson, JLL and Amy Jones, HDR
The CREW Charlotte June luncheon featured American Airlines’ Airport & Government Affairs and Corporate Real Estate teammates Tracy Montross, Amanda Zhang, and Reshma Soni. American Airlines, the 5th largest employer in Mecklenburg County, continues to demonstrate substantial economic influence in the region. The panel discussion included cost comparisons across major US airports, positioning CLT favorably among peers like LAX, SFO, and ATL.
Recent and upcoming facility developments showcase American Airlines’ commitment to Charlotte:
- American Regional Training Center – Opened March 2024
- PSA Back-Up Operations Control Center & Transition Headquarters – Opened September 2024
- PSA New Headquarters – Coming January 2026
The team emphasized the importance of efficient flight operations and facility modernization to enhance passenger experiences “from curb to gate.” American Airlines maintains strong development momentum at CLT, focusing on long-term growth strategies despite industry challenges.
For CRE professionals, these projects represent significant opportunities, signaling stable anchor tenancy from a major employer and driving demand for adjacent real estate development along transportation corridors serving these facilities. The airport continues to generate substantial revenue for North Carolina while creating commercial real estate opportunities throughout the Charlotte region.