The Uptown spin is that Charlotte/Douglas International Airport’s 4th runway, which opened earlier this year, is a key to economic growth, that it would immediately result in additional air service. Unfortunately, no one told the airlines. We’ve said this before. But you don’t have to to take our word for it. From a May presentation by airport planner Jack Christine to the airport’s advisory committee:
• 3rd Quarter is typically the busiest travel time, past years have seen spikes in load factors from late June through September.
• This year will be different. Airlines have reduced capacity more than 9% over last year to cope with the recession. Load factors system wide are averaging over 80% right now. There will be very minor capacity increases going into the summer months.
• Here in CLT, US Airways load factor is about 85%. We do not anticipate much more capacity going into the summer months.
• The number of departures will increase only 1.4% over the 3rd quarter of 2009. The number of seats available will increase a scant .7% over the 3rd quarter of 2009.
• The number of seats available for the summer travel season is relatively low. Most of those seats will be sold, so the airplanes will be full.
Taxi time is down though since the runway opened.
Bonus Observation: Remember that US Airways is not currently adding mainline aircraft. That means there’s limited short-term potential for growth, aside from adjustment associated with the US Airways/Delta slot swap.
