RDU Airport, NC – John Brantley, the airport director at Raleigh-Durham International Airport for 29 years, today announced he will retire effective July 31. Brantley made the announcement today at the monthly meeting of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board.

Following the announcement, the board formed a committee of the whole to lead the search for Brantley’s successor.

Brantley began his career in aviation 45 years ago with the FAA. He joined the RDU Airport Authority in 1977 as an engineering assistant; five years later he became airport director.

During his tenure as airport director, Brantley has overseen all aspects of the airport including management, capital development, operations and airline relations.

One of the first major projects completed under Brantley’s guidance was a long-range master plan that resulted in the construction of the airport’s 10,000-ft runway. One year later, Terminal C was built by American Airlines for its southeast hub operations.

Most recently, he oversaw the planning and construction of Terminal 2. The $570-million project was completed on budget and earlier than originally scheduled.

Following are additional highlights from Brantley’s career at RDU.

• The construction of Terminal A, which is today known as Terminal 1. The building was completed in 1982 and became home to many of the airport’s major airlines for more than 25 years.
• Construction of the parking garage located between Terminals 1 and 2 and related roadway systems. The first portion of the garage was constructed in 1987 with approximately 2,000 parking spaces. Today, the garage features more than 11,000 parking spaces within walking distance of the terminals.
• American Airlines southeast hub. The airline began its hub operations at RDU in June 1987 and ended its hub in June 1995 but not before beginning nonstop service to London. The flight still operates daily from RDU’s Terminal 2.
• Redevelopment of the General Aviation area. Completed in March 2003, the $56.6 million project included new facilities for fixed-base operators that provide service to private and corporate aircraft, additional apron space for parking planes and a general aviation terminal.
• Terminal 2 completed on January 23, 2011.

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