Strategic Investment Areas in Charlotte – 05/20/26
April 23, 2026Strategic Investment Areas in Charlotte – 05/20/26
April 23, 2026ASHE Carolina Piedmont presents:
The Fourth Parallel Runway, Digital Twin Technology & Smart Infrastructure
Join ASHE Carolina Piedmont for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of the most significant aviation infrastructure projects underway in the Southeast. Ashton Watson, PE, CM, ACE, Director of Engineering for Charlotte Douglas International Airport, will discuss the planning, design, and construction of the Airport’s Fourth Parallel Runway and the innovative technologies supporting its long-term performance. The presentation will explore the development of a cutting-edge digital twin and pavement instrumentation system designed to enhance airport operations, support FAA research, and improve the future of airfield pavement management.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
11:30am – 12pm – Registration & Networking
12:00pm – 1:00pm – Program
Dillworth Neighborhood Grille
911 E Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28204
Event Overview
Join ASHE Carolina Piedmont for an exclusive look at one of the largest aviation infrastructure programs in the Southeast. Ashton Watson, PE, CM, ACE, Director of Engineering for Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), will provide an update on the Airport’s ongoing capital improvements, including the development of the Fourth Parallel Runway and the innovative technologies being implemented to support its long-term performance and airport operations.
The presentation will highlight the design and implementation of a state-of-the-art instrumentation system and digital twin for the new runway and adjacent taxiways. Developed through a collaborative effort between Charlotte Douglas International Airport, UNC Charlotte, consultants, contractors, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the system incorporates embedded pavement sensors, weather monitoring technology, and real-time data acquisition to improve operational decision-making while advancing airport pavement research.
Attendees will gain insight into the unique engineering challenges of designing, constructing, and monitoring modern airport infrastructure, while learning how data-driven technologies are shaping the future of pavement management, airfield operations, and transportation engineering. Whether your interests are in aviation, highways, pavement engineering, construction, or emerging transportation technologies, this presentation offers a unique perspective on one of North Carolina’s most significant infrastructure investments.
Presenter:
Ashton B. Watson, PE, CM, ACE
Director of Engineering, Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Ashton B. Watson serves as Director of Engineering for Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), where he leads the Airport’s $3+ billion Capital Investment Program and oversees major airfield, terminal, and landside infrastructure projects. With nearly 20 years of experience in aviation and transportation engineering, Ashton has successfully delivered more than 60 large-scale infrastructure projects spanning runways, taxiways, ramps, roadways, and airport support facilities.
Prior to his appointment as Engineering Director, Ashton served as Airport Engineering Program Director, where he directed many of CLT’s most significant capital improvements, including the Fourth Parallel Runway Program, South Ramp Expansion, North End Around Taxiway (NEAT), multiple award-winning taxiway rehabilitation projects, and numerous runway, roadway, and utility infrastructure improvements. Before joining CLT, he managed transportation projects for the City of Charlotte Department of Transportation.
Ashton earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Civil Engineering from UNC Charlotte. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in North Carolina, a Certified Member (CM) and Airport Certified Employee–Operations (ACE) of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). In addition to his work at CLT, Ashton serves as an adjunct professor and advisory board member for UNC Charlotte’s Aviation Innovation and Research Institute, where he helps prepare the next generation of aviation professionals.
Professional Development Hours (PDHs) will be available upon request.
The cost is just $35 for members, $50 for non-members and SPECIAL $20 for Government Employees who pay no later than Friday August 21, 2026. Please note, rates increase on the Saturday before the event and there are no refunds for no-shows. Lunch will be provided and PDHs will be available upon request. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact ashecpssecretary@gmail.com.