Carolinas Aviation Museum Reopens: Honoring Captain Sully
Captain Chelsey Burnett “Sully” Sullenberger, the pilot behind the “Miracle on the Hudson” 13 years ago, will see the Carolinas Aviation Museum renamed in his honor.
The museum, which for the past 10 years has housed the Airbus A320 that Sullenberger piloted, is set to reopen in 2023 at a new location at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, after closing its doors to the public two years ago.
On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549, bound for Charlotte, North Carolina, struck a flock of birds shortly after takeoff from New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Captain Sullenberger landed the aircraft safely in the Hudson River, saving all 155 passengers on board.
Red Ventures CEO Makes Donation in Sully’s Honor
One notable passenger on that fateful flight was Ric Elias, CEO of Red Ventures. “I am forever indebted to Captain Sully and the crew of US Airways Flight 1549 for my second chance at life. For 13 years, I have sought ways to honor them,” Elias stated.
Elias has generously contributed $1 million toward the reopening of the museum, which will feature a permanent exhibit dedicated to Sullenberger and the flight crew.
Marc Oken, Board Chair for the Carolinas Aviation Museum, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We’re thrilled to honor Captain Sully and the heroic crew of the ‘Miracle on the Hudson,’ solidifying our city’s role in aviation history.”
In addition to Elias’s donation, Red Ventures contributed $500,000 toward the museum’s reopening efforts.
Elias remarked, “Heroes are forged long before the moment they are called to action. This museum will be a lasting homage to the preparation, bravery, and dedication of Captain Sullenberger and his crew.”
Museum to be Located at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Located at the historic APW/Douglas Airport Hangar at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the museum aims to raise $25 million for its reopening. To date, it has gathered $11 million, thanks in part to the generous contributions from Elias and Red Ventures.
Upon reopening, the museum will feature a new main gallery, visitor center, plaza, and beautifully restored historic hangar. Guests can expect a variety of exhibits, including numerous aircraft, interactive cockpits, flight simulators, and significant artifacts showcasing the region’s deep-rooted connection with aviation.
GoTravelDaily will also maintain a presence in the new museum, with specific details about their exhibit forthcoming.
Oken stated, “With support from the city of Charlotte, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, and generous private donors, we eagerly anticipate establishing the museum as the premier aviation destination in the South.”
On the anniversary of the “Miracle on the Hudson,” Captain Sully has been sharing memories from those impacted by the landing on his Instagram page, with heartfelt comments reflecting gratitude and remembrance.
