Originally Posted by
Cltfc
No CLT does not need an international terminal.
I think the folks at CLT know that transatlantic operations will be greatly reduced in the coming years and at most CLT has LHR and FRA year round. We have already seen: Man, Lis, BCN cut, looks like Dub is being downgraded to 757 in summer 2016. I suspect, we will see Charlotte to Rome drawn down soon as both JFK and ORD - FCO are being upgraded to 777 service in 2016. I think in the end CLT will be left with LHR, FRA and Mad when the integration of US/AA is complete. So why would CLT build an international terminal, for two year round international flights and year round low yield island transfer traffic. CLT should focus on running a clean pleasant airport, for example the Customs and Immigration areas at CLT are often filthy and look as if one has landed in a developing country. The air conditioning, moving sidewalks, etc. often don't work . Clt needs to focus on the basics. I have seen nicer Greyhound Terminals
How typical that you reply to me.
I have spoken to Scott Kirby, once or twice regarding the merger, and each time he has said the international will stay status-quo (this was after Brazil, LIS, MAN & BUB were cut). I have also spoken to Terri Pope and she has said that international is performing well this year.
If you check the schedule, from early May to early July, CLT-DUB is scheduled to be operated by the A330-200. The reason why it lists a 757 is because those schedules haven't been finalised yet. The full Summer 2016 schedule won't be ready till mid to late October.
CLT-FCO was loaded in to the schedule as a A330-200 for next summer, then it was up gauged to the A330-300 a few weeks after. So Im pretty sure that means they aren't cutting it.
As for your prediction, on how many international flights there will be. That is your opinion, which you are entitled to have, yet I think you are wrong. That is my option.
CLT is focusing on repairing and maintaining the terminal (and all of this has been approved by AA and the other airlines who fly to CLT):
-A/C will be replaced by the end of this year
-Moving sidewalks and Elevators will be replaced by next summer
-The carpet is being replaced with be tiling.
-Key structural repairs to the 30 year old terminal will be made
-Concourse will be getting new paint, new ceilings, new lights and a new announcement system
As for the customs & Immigration hall, I agree with you. But it is also too small to handle 3 A330s at once (lets say LHR, MUC & FRA) as well as A32Xs arriving from the Caribbean. Thats one of the reasons why a new international concourse needs to be built.
Furthermore, AA has requested the construction of 10 new gates on E to be able to accommodate the E-Jets, which currently take up space on C. AA is also willing to spend the money to remodel gates, Admirals clubs (and possibly build another one on E) and check-in. So its a vote of confidence for AA at CLT.