General Aviation at CLT Gets “Modern”ized
Even if you don’t fly private, general aviation probably touches your life.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s Fixed Base Operator (FBO) is home to more than just corporate jets and charter flights. It offers many services, and effective July 1, 2025, it has a new name and management. Modern Aviation took over management of CLT’s FBO at the CLT Executive Terminal—previously managed by Wilson Air Center for the past twenty years.
FBOs provide general aviation services such as fueling, hangar space, parking, ground handling, maintenance and passenger amenities for non-commercial aircraft, such as corporate jets and privately owned planes.
About Modern Aviation
Established in 2018, Modern Aviation is a national FBO company operating 19 locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
In addition to CLT, Modern Aviation currently has locations at airports including New York’s (LGA) and (JFK), Denver, CO (APA) and Fort Worth, TX (FTW). View the complete list on the Modern Aviation website.
Why Charlotte?
Charlotte’s FBO is among the busiest in the country. FAA data from 2024 ranked CLT as the 30th busiest general aviation airport in the U.S.
Modern Aviation officials say those statistics made Charlotte a desirable market.
“Charlotte has become a major hub for finance, manufacturing and technology in the last decade, with a growing reputation as a preferred city for corporate relocation and new business startups given its skilled workforce, business-friendly policies and proximity to key hubs along the East Coast,” said Mark Carmen, Modern Aviation’s CEO. “Charlotte also hosts major sporting and cultural events throughout the year, attracting large numbers of private jets.”
Modern Aviation CLT currently has 28 based tenants, over 66 based aircraft and served 323 airline charters in the last year. It also serves air ambulance and organ donor flights, military aircraft, air cargo operators, flight instruction schools and aerial photographers.
Upgrades Coming
The CLT Executive Terminal experienced a 5% increase in total aircraft operations in 2024, surpassing the less than 1% growth in the overall general aviation industry.
Modern Aviation is working closely with the Airport and City of Charlotte to monitor growth forecasts as it plans upgrades to the CLT Executive Terminal.
“The terminal renovation project will enhance the experience for all stakeholders, including passengers, tenants, pilots and employees. Modern Aviation will focus on creating a variety of modern yet comfortable spaces for passengers, tenants, and pilots to relax, socialize or work,” added Carmen. “Our goal is to make the CLT Executive Terminal a place passengers and pilots want to arrive early before their flight to enjoy all the amenities. Further, the front desk and line crew workroom will be strategically positioned and designed to optimize the flow of operations and enhance both safety and efficiency.”
Look for construction on those upgrades to begin in late 2025 or early 2026.
First Impressions Matter
For many business leaders arriving in the Queen City, Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s FBO is the City's front door.
“Industry leaders visit the FBO on a daily basis when coming to Charlotte to make critical decisions such as relocating their headquarters or finalizing business deals that have the potential to bring millions of dollars of economic impact to Charlotte,” said Vince Papke, Modern Aviation CLT General Manager, who credits the FBO with helping to lure the NASCAR Hall of Fame here.
Added Papke: “FBO team members are the first to greet business leaders as they step off their aircraft and the last faces they see when departing. We take that role seriously and consider ourselves Ambassadors for the City of Charlotte, so it’s important that we provide the world-class service that is expected and operate safely.”