ABSTRACTLUCAS CHARLES ROSS. Charlotte’s airport enters the jet age:Charlotte Douglas, 1954-1983. (Under the direction of DR. MARK WILSON) The history of airports is a neglected topic despite the incredible economic and social changes the world has seen since their inception in the early twentieth century. This is especially true of large metropolitan airports. The largest airports have greatly affected the cities they serve. Charlotte’s airport, Charlotte Douglas International, is one such airport. Charlotte Douglas, despite serving a relatively small city at its inception, has become one of the busiest airports in the country. Many factors contributed to the growth of Charlotte Douglas including location, topography, weather, and demand for air travel, but without the support of key city leaders, federal aid, and most of all professional planning, Charlotte might not enjoy the world class airport it has today. Organized and stalwart public criticism of the airport and its rapid expansion nearly crippled the airport in the 1970’s. Only through long term planning and a vigorous public relations campaign was Charlotte Douglas able to complete the key infrastructure projects of the 1970’s. This thesis details the support and planning that prepared Charlotte Douglas for the rigors of the jet age and in turn changed the City of Charlotte. Despite some growing pains, Charlotte Douglas has been a boon to the city, attracting businesses and travel enthusiasts from across the country and putting the City of Charlotte on the map.
