Connecting the Carolinas  to  the World: The Power of the CLT Hub

Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte on Thursday, October 15, for a conversation with Brian Znotins, Senior Vice President of Network Planning for American Airlines, who will offer his insight into the strategy behind American’s global network, including the growth we’ve seen right here in CLT. 

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is one of the world’s busiest airports and one of the Carolinas’ strongest international connections. Airports Council International’s 2025 rankings put it 7th busiest worldwide for total aircraft movements (arrivals and departures) and 11th in North Carolina for passengers. It’s also the 35th worldwide in passenger traffic. Last year alone, CLT handled approximately 53.6 million passengers and more than 570,000 aircraft operations, each one a direct connection linking the Charlotte region to the rest of the globe.

For the Queen City, CLT is more than an airport: it’s a gem. It’s how Charlotte does business internationally, how the region keeps growing by leaps and bounds, and how our own residents get out into the world. And right at the heart of it is American Airlines.

American runs its second-largest hub here (Dallas-Fort Worth is first), operating around 90% of CLT’s flights and connecting to over 170 destinations. Most recently, American announced a new nonstop route to Barcelona launching in May 2027, plus increased seasonal service to Paris, the latest expansion of a hub that keeps bringing the world closer to home.

American Airlines and CLT have grown up together, and that partnership shows no signs of slowing down. Come learn more about what’s driving the next chapter.

 

 

  • WACC Private Reception Sponsorship and Underwriting – DOWNLOAD LINK
  • WACC Global Business Series Sponsorship and Underwriting – DOWNLOAD LINK

Program Information: 

Date:
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Check-In and Pre-Lunch Networking: 
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Lunch & Presentation: 
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location:
Charlotte Marriott City Center
Cost:
$70 (WACC Member Rate) | $90 (Non-Member Rate) | $50 (Young Professionals of the World Affairs Council of Charlotte — YPWACC) | $40 (WACC Student Member / WACC Educator Member)

 

 

 

Biography: 

Brian Znotins is Senior Vice President of Network Planning. In this role, he guides the development and implementation of American’s global network and hub strategy. This includes all route planning, slot management and long-range planning efforts.

Brian joined American from WestJet, where he spent three years as the airline’s Vice President of Network, Alliances and Corporate Development. During his time at WestJet, he led a redesign of three critical hubs, drove schedule quality improvement, designed a Canada/U.S. joint venture, and introduced a new strategy to reach the premium traveler market.

Prior to WestJet, Brian spent more than 17 years at United Airlines and Continental Airlines, where he held numerous leadership positions including Vice President of Network and Managing Director of International and Long-Range Planning. He began his airline career as an analyst in the network planning department of Canadian Airlines in Calgary.

Brian holds a bachelor’s degree and MBA from the University of Calgary.