CLT Named Most Financially Efficient Airport for Fourth Consecutive Year

CHARLOTTE, NC – Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) has once again been recognized as North America's most financially efficient airport among airports serving more than 40 million passengers. The recognition, based on 2024 data from the Air Transport Research Society (ATRS), marks the fourth consecutive year CLT has earned the distinction.

"Being recognized again by ATRS is a testament to CLT's commitment to strong financial stewardship and long-term fiscal responsibility," said Mike Hill, chief financial officer at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. "We are honored to receive this award and grateful that our financial model continues to be acknowledged for its efficiency, resilience and ability to support the airport's growth while delivering value to our airlines, passengers and community."

The award, announced July 3 in Beijing, is the result of the ATRS Global Airport Performance Benchmarking Task Force’s year-long research into several important aspects of operations, including productivity, efficiency, cost competitiveness and financial results. The group studies 205 airports and 24 airport groups of various sizes and ownership forms in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America.

CLT’s reputation for strong financial management is further reflected in its consistently high bond ratings, which help the airport secure favorable financing for infrastructure projects that support continued growth and operational efficiency. Both Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service recently reaffirmed the airport’s strong credit profile while assigning ratings to approximately $210 million in Airport Revenue Bonds, Series 2026.

Fitch Ratings revised the outlook on CLT’s airport revenue bonds to positive from stable, assigned an 'AA-' rating to approximately $210.2 million in Series 2026 airport revenue bonds to be issued by the City of Charlotte, and affirmed the 'AA-' rating on approximately $1.8 billion of outstanding parity bonds. Fitch cited CLT’s improved financial profile, its role as American Airlines’ second-largest hub, and its position among the nation’s 10 busiest airports as key factors supporting the rating.

Moody’s Investors Service assigned an Aa3 rating to the airport’s approximately $210 million Airport Revenue Bonds, Series 2026 (Non-AMT), affirmed the Aa3 rating on outstanding airport revenue bonds, and maintained a stable outlook. Moody’s highlighted the airport’s strong enplanement performance, competitive cost per enplanement compared with other connecting hubs, and continued investment through its capital improvement program.

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