CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- It's been a good business week for Charlotte. Bank of America's new CEO says the bank will stay in the Queen City, and appliance maker Electrolux committed to add more than 700 jobs to the area.
Meanwhile, city leaders are still negotiating with another unnamed company, which could bring in more than 600 jobs.
One common theme in these announcements is an airport that's a draw for big business.
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport celebrated Thursday as U.S. Airways launched nonstop service from Charlotte to Honolulu, Hawaii.
That brings the number of direct flights from the airport to more than 130. It's an incredible number, according to long-time Charlotte travel agent Gary Silverstein.
"We've had a lot of times when we've had corporate clients who picked Charlotte because of our air service," Silverstein said.
Electrolux is the latest in a long line of recruits that require being connected, says Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx.
"You look at any city in the country and they are jealous of this airport because it is a place where you can just about get anywhere in the world at least with one stop, and in many cases with no stops at all," Foxx said.
Construction is under way at the airport to add a third parallel runway. Foxx says his administration expects more growth at Charlotte-Douglas.
"It is a huge selling point and we are going to keep making it stronger and stronger," Foxx said.
US Airways is the powerhouse at the airport. The airline operates 655 daily departures. Seven other airlines also operate out of Charlotte-Douglas.
"People around the country can't believe the amount of service we have out of Charlotte," Silverstein said.
