Charlotte Airport remains key in American's network even as international growth is longer term aim

Charlotte Douglas International Airport seems to be settling into its new role as part of the much broader joint American-US Airways network where the airport is part of a nine-hub operation that includes the much larger markets of Dallas/Fort Worth, New York and Los Angeles.

Charlotte's stability has remained intact since the two airlines closed on their merger at the end of 2013, and are now in the midst of some of the more difficult aspects of integration. The airport has a keen self awareness that while it is not the most important hub within American's network for international transit passengers, its geographic position in the US South East offers is key for connecting domestic passengers in the north-south East Coast corridor, and leisure passengers to the Caribbean and Central America.

Obviously Charlotte's long-term goal, like numerous other airports, is to boost international service. But for the short-term the airline is charting steady passenger growth while maintaining competitive costs.