CMAA Board of Commissioners

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Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority Board of Commissioners


The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority Board of Commissioners meets in open session on the third Monday of each month at 2 p.m. in the Airport Authority’s office. Members of the public are allowed to make comments at the end of the meeting. Unless otherwise noted, all committee meetings are held in the Board Room of the Airport Authority’s office.

AGENDA



A Message from the President


The Chattanooga Airport offers unmatched convenience and seamless service for business and leisure travelers across the Southeast. In 2025, CHA set a new enplanement record with 632,384 passengers, surpassing our previous high of 556,958 in 2024 and marking a 14% increase. 2026 is already proving to be a strong year for the airport, with back-to-back monthly passenger boarding records from February through June. These records are a result of our expanded service and new destinations thanks to CHA’s airline partners and the community choosing to fly from our hometown airport.

We’re especially grateful to our airline partners for maintaining nonstop service to key destinations like Washington, D.C., Miami and Detroit, while expanding access to Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago and more. Allegiant launched its nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale, Fla in February 2026. United launched its highly anticipated Denver seasonal Saturday service in May 2026, along with launching Newark, N.J. service in January 2026 and Houston service in March 2026. Today, CHA offers nonstop service to 15 destinations and provides access to hundreds of worldwide connections through four commercial carriers.

The airport continues to invest in its facilities and the passenger experience with eight gates, expanded security lanes, and upgraded passenger amenities—including several restaurants, a gift shop, a business center powered by EPB’s 10 Gig WiFi, and new terrazzo flooring. Travelers can also enjoy the newly renovated post-security restaurant, The Observation Deck. Reopened in October 2025, this bright, modern venue features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the airfield, more than 60 seats, and a full-service restaurant and bar.

The airport is also supporting the increase in flights with the south apron reconstruction project, which is converting nearly 20,000 square yards of aircraft parking and ramp area from asphalt to concrete. This will allow the airport to accommodate a wider variety of heavier aircraft, improve airport operations, and prepare for the future terminal expansion. The project is estimated to be completed in fall 2026.

A new $35 million parking garage is also under construction and will add approximately 1,600 parking spaces to accommodate rising passenger demand. The project is expected to be completed in 2027 and will further improve convenience and accessibility for travelers.

CHA is also proud to be home to West Star Aviation, a trusted partner that continues to grow its presence. In February 2026, West Star broke ground on a new hangar, making this their eighth facility on site at CHA and will create up to 200 additional jobs over the next five years.

And finally, we are excited to announce the construction of BlueCross Healthy Place, a 4.5-acre outdoor space that is estimated to be completed in early 2027. In collaboration with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, IMPACT Parks and PlayCore, this space will include an aviation-themed playground, a walking trail, restrooms and a large observation area. It will also have a freshly painted corporate aircraft and a World War II pilot memorial. We truly look forward to seeing the joy this will bring to families, plane spotters and our community.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to expanding airline offerings, improving infrastructure, and continuing to deliver a top-tier airport experience. Our growth is a direct result of the continued support from our travelers, carriers and community, and for that, we thank you.

Sincerely,

April Cameron
President & CEO

 

CHATTANOOGA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Dr. Shannon Burger - Chair

Jonathan Cantrell - Vice Chair

Fred Decosimo - Secretary

Cory Gearrin

Clarence Howard

Howard Upchurch

TBD

TBD

TBD


CMAA Mission Statement

To serve Chattanooga and the surrounding tri-state region as the undisputed choice for personal and business travelers offering safe and convenient air transportation with unprecedented customer service - driving economic growth for the airport and the communities that it serves."