News

Here is a brief weekly update from the RTA business coalition – the voice of the regional business community on transportation.

Giving, and getting, 106% — RDU receives approval for longer runway

This week the region received word that the fruits of our cooperative labor were beginning to pay off. RDU announced that the FAA had approved a longer, 10,639′ length for the replacement of our primary 5L-23R runway. As we note in this week’s blog, that extra 6% in length will make it easier for more people to travel on flights to the west coast, and open up more opportunities for commerce in region. For additional reference see the News & Observer article. 

We still have more work to do –– as we note on our RTA home page, we have an ongoing federal funding ask for the replacement of said runway — but if we all continue to give 106%, we will get there. To that point, please complete this RTA member advocacy form if you have not already done so re: writing a support letter for the new runway. RDU thanked RTA and other partners in their press release; now let’s keep the momentum going and get them across the federal funding finish line.

Congrats to American Airlines on 40 year hub anniversary
While RDU’s runway approval announcement marks the biggest airport news of the week for our region, RTA would also like to congratulate our friends to the southwest for 40 years of American Airlines hub operations in Charlotte.

American has consistently been one of the largest carriers at RDU, and they are about to relaunch our vital transatlantic service to London Heathrow from RDU starting June 3. American and its predecessors including Piedmont and USAir have served North Carolina for many years, including 4 decades of hub operations in Charlotte; they will formally celebrate at CLT Airport next week. Airlines and airports across North Carolina are vital to the success of our respective regions and the state as a whole.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to regional business leadership on mobility.

Let’s get moving,

Joe
RTA Executive Director
Click here for prior RTA Member Briefings and RTA Blogs.