PRESS RELEASE Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the Southeast’s premier aviation museum has unveiled an exciting new exhibit space. The Sullenberger Aviation Museum (SAM), a Smithsonian affiliate located on the campus of Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), has announced the launch of Aviation City, a themed exhibit housed in a beautifully restored 1936 vintage hangar. Originally constructed as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression, this historic hangar is now the centerpiece of the museum’s third and final themed exhibit. Aviation City highlights the deep-rooted connection between Charlotte Douglas International Airport and the economic development of the Charlotte region.
“Aviation has been one of the cornerstones of Charlotte’s economic and social development, and it is a distinct honor as a museum to be able to breathe new life into the stories and artifacts of the past—like this storied hangar—to help continue to shape and inspire the innovators of tomorrow in Charlotte and beyond,” said Sullenberger Aviation Museum President Stephen Saucier.
The newly designed exhibit will feature an impressive aircraft collection, including a Piedmont Airlines Douglas DC-3, a Stearman biplane, a Republic F-84 Thunderjet, a Bellanca 14-9 Cruisair, and a Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star. Additionally, the Lockheed T-33 exhibit will include two interactive flight simulators, one of which is wheelchair-accessible, enhancing the museum’s commitment to inclusive, hands-on experiences for all visitors.
Excitement is building as museum staff and volunteers work to move and position these historic aircraft for display, setting the stage for Aviation City’s grand opening in late spring. The exhibit will provide a dynamic and immersive experience, offering visitors an up-close look at aviation’s role in shaping both local and global industries. The Sullenberger Aviation Museum has quickly become a major attraction in the region, welcoming over 70,000 visitors in its first year of operation. The museum’s educational outreach has also been a resounding success, with more than 5,000 students participating in field trips—so many, in fact, that all slots for the 2024-25 school year have already sold out.
With Aviation City set to open soon, SAM continues to build on its mission of preserving aviation history while inspiring future generations of aviators and aerospace professionals. Stay tuned for more details on this highly anticipated addition to one of the nation’s most renowned aviation museums. For more information, visit www.sullenbergeraviation.org.
