CLT Executive Receives Prestigious NC Award

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) Chief Infrastructure Officer Jack Christine has been named the recipient of the 2026 Willard G. Plentl, Jr. Airport Professional of the Year Award. Christine received the honor at the North Carolina Airports Association (NCAA) Conference banquet in Charlotte on March 19.

The award recognizes an individual who exhibits leadership, a commitment to aviation, and has a positive impact on the aviation industry in North Carolina.

“Just being nominated is an honor, but winning the award is truly amazing,” said Christine. “Being recognized by my peers for the passion that I have for aviation, and especially CLT, is very humbling, and I thank everyone who had a hand in it. I love being a part of what we do and take great joy in helping others grow their own passion for aviation.”

Christine has been a guiding force at CLT for nearly 30 years, starting as a planning assistant in the City of Charlotte’s Aviation Department.

In his current role as CIO, he manages the planning, design, construction and facilities maintenance of the Airport’s 6,000-acre campus.

As an advocate for the aviation profession and workforce development, Christine helped establish the UNC Charlotte AIR Institute – a unique partnership with CLT to prepare students for Airport and aviation careers.

He also serves as an adjunct professor at UNC Charlotte, teaching courses on airport development and inspiring the next generation.

Christine’s active involvement with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) led to Charlotte hosting the SEC-AAAE conference in March 2025, showcasing the city to airport professionals from across the country. He also serves as a mentor for those pursuing their Certified Member (CM) and Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) certifications.