Transportation Security Chairman Hudson Tours Charlotte-Douglas Airport

Transportation Security Chairman Hudson Tours Charlotte-Douglas Airport

CONCORD-In his first official airport tour as Transportation Security Subcommittee Chairman, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) visited Charlotte-Douglas International Airport to discuss the current security measures utilized by one of America’s leading airports.

Employing more than 18,000 people, Charlotte-Douglas is one of the busiest airports in the United States, with over 38 million passengers passing through the facilities in 2011. Being a vital hub for the movement of people and goods, Charlotte-Douglas remains at the forefront of advances in aviation logistics and security. It is one of the largest test airports for TSAs ‘pre-check’ procedure for frequent travelers, with over 2,000 using the program on a typical morning.

"Our airport is one of this region's greatest assets because an efficient and secure airport is vital to ensuring the resilience of our economy,” said Hudson. “If people can’t come and go easily or we can’t move the goods we produce, then it will hurt our ability to grow and create jobs.”

Rep. Hudson’s visit was hosted by Aviation Director Jerry Orr, Federal Security Director Mark Haught, Deputy Federal Security Director Kurt Jordan, and TSA Representative Alex Marston. The group discussed the future development of Charlotte-Douglas Airport, including specific efforts to ensure the airport remains one of the world’s busiest terminals. The construction of a new control tower is currently being planned, and Hudson is supportive of the new control tower construction.

“Despite a tough few years for the aviation industry, the folks I met with remain optimistic about the future. I am pleased to see that infrastructure growth and top-notch security measures are the focus of our airport administrators and I commend their commitment to running a successful operation.”

The House Transportation Security Subcommittee provides oversight of aviation, rail, pipeline, and mass transit security.