The agreement, announced Tuesday, takes effect Jan. 1. Charlotte has been part of American’s network for decades and handles as many as 650 of the carrier’s daily departures. About 16,500 American employees are based in the city.

Planned airport projects include expanding a concourse with additional gates and renovating facilities for international arrivals. American also plans to open a lounge it says will be the largest in its network, covering more than 40,000 square feet.