Silver Airways has announced they would begin service out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Thursday, December 17, 2020. The low-cost carrier, offering fares as low as $49 one way for the launch of the new service, will fly to Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida.

“We are delighted to introduce Silver’s safe, reliable, and customer friendly service to Columbia, South Carolina- “The Real Southern Hot Spot,” said Steve Rossum, chief executive officer of Silver Airways. “Columbia and the surrounding communities comprise a vibrant region bursting with natural beauty, historic significance, countless recreational opportunities, a growing and progressive business community, and one of the most storied public universities in the South. We are very excited.”  

Flying their signature fuchsia aircraft featuring white flamingos, Silver Airways will kick-off with service to Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando with two flights per week (Thursday and Sunday) to each of the three destinations – perfect for those long weekend getaways.

“Silver Airways is a great low-cost carrier and we’re very pleased to welcome them to CAE and the capital city,” said Executive Director, Mike Gula. “As we all work to recover from this devastating year, this airline addition supports our focus on moving forward no matter what. We will remain the strong, regional airport that we are, while getting our travelers there and back, safely and with ease.”

With the addition of Silver Airways, CAE will now have four airline partners, providing even more flight options and nonstop destinations to Midlands’s area travelers.

“With three new routes in the market, our valued passengers will have even more options to accommodate their air service needs to the Sunshine State and perhaps, even further into the Caribbean.” said Director of Marketing and Air Service Development, Kim Jamieson. “With the timing of this announcement, I really do believe that the silver lining of 2020 is actually hot pink, and we couldn’t be happier.”

About Silver Airways: Silver Airways, America’s leading independent regional airline, operates the most routes within Florida and between Florida and the Bahamas from its gateways in Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Tampa. Silver’s Caribbean network connects Puerto Rico with the U.S. Virgin Islands, Anguilla, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Dominica and Santiago, Dominican Republic. Silver is a codeshare partner with United, JetBlue, American, Delta, Avianca and Copa Airlines, and has interline agreements with Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Azul, Bahamasair, Emirates and Hahn Air. Members of United’s MileagePlus® and JetBlue’s loyalty programs can also earn frequent flyer awards for travel throughout Silver’s network. Silver is honored to be the North American launch customer for the all new, redesigned ATR-600 series aircraft offering best-in-class quiet cabins, premium leather seats with more legroom, and spacious overhead bins that accommodate full-size, carry-on roller bags. To learn more about Silver’s refined passenger experience, visit www.silverairways.com/destinations/atr42.

On Wednesday, October 14 the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) unveiled an exhibit by the first Art in the Airport featured artist, Chris Garvey. The exhibit is currently on display in the connector – the walkway between the security checkpoint and the departure/arrival gates.

“I’m excited and grateful to be among the few selected to display my artwork for Art in the Airport,” says Chris Garvey. “I hope everyone that sees my work will experience, in some way, the calm I got while painting each piece. I hope what people can take away from my work is not to overlook the little things, but to be able to look for beauty in everything around them.”

Garvey’s exhibit will be up now through January 2021. His other works can be found on his website at www.cgarveyfineart.com. The second featured artists, Ija Charles, will be on display February 2021 through May 2021.

“We are thrilled to be able to showcase the outstanding artistic talent right here in this community in these four artists, the first being Chris Garvey,” says Director of Marketing and Air Service Development, Kim Jamieson. “This initiative is also intended to enhance our travelers’ experience while creating a sense of place within the airport. Once a traveler lands, these works of art will be the first creative and cultural touchpoints to the region.”

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) is excited to announce the selected artists for our 2020 – 2021 Art in the Airport Program. Over 115 submissions were received from local artists reflecting the impressive talents of the art community.

Four artists were selected to exhibit their artwork for the upcoming season:

• Christopher Garvey (October 2020 – January 2021)
• Ija Charles (February 2021 – May 2021)
• Sonya Diimmler (June 2021 – September 2021)
• Harold Branham (October 2021 – January 2022)

“CAE’s Art in the Airport Program provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase works of art created by artists right here in the Midlands,” said Kim Jamieson, CAE’s Director of Marketing and Air Service Development. “The art program is also intended to enhance our travelers’ experience while creating a sense of place within the airport. Once a traveler lands, these works of art will be the first artistic and cultural touchpoints to the region.”

The exhibit location will be in the connector of the terminal, the walkway between the security checkpoint and the departure/arrival gates.

Many thanks to all of the artists who applied to be a part of this first season. We look forward to more opportunities in the future, through our Art in the Airport Program, to showcase our region’s multi-talented art community.

Top left to right: Harold Branham, Sonya Diimmler; Bottom left to right: Christopher Garvey, Ija Charles.

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) is currently seeking artists to exhibit their artwork at the airport for a rotating exhibition beginning October 2020 through calendar year 2021 as CAE launches its “Art in the Airport” program.

The purpose of CAE creating an “Art in the Airport” program is to showcase works of art created by artists right here in the Midlands. The art program is also intended to enhance our travelers’ experience while creating a sense of place within the airport. Once a traveler lands, these works of art can be the first artistic and cultural touchpoints to the region. 

Interested in participating? Below are details on how artists can submit work to be featured in CAE’s “Art in the Airport” program.

Submission Requirements

To apply for exhibition in CAE’s “Art in the Airport” program, please email the following information to Lynne Douglas, Public Relations & Customer Service Manager at l.douglas@flycae.com via email by September 4, 2020.

• Name, address, phone, email, website (if applicable)
• Artist bio
• Artist Statement
• At least five images representing the type of artwork anticipated to be shown

*Note: Artists must reside in one of the following Midlands counties: Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, Sumter, Lee, Clarendon, Newberry, and Aiken.

Exhibit Requirements

The exhibition location will be in the connector of the terminal, the walkway between the security checkpoint and the departure/arrival gates. Selected exhibits must contain a minimum of twelve pieces as there are twelve wall columns in the location, six on each side of the walkway.

CAE will provide labels for each piece in the exhibit to include artist’s name and contact information and the title, dimensions, type of medium, and selling price of the piece. CAE will also provide signage for the exhibit to include the artist’s bio and/or statement.

Exhibitions must be physically suited to the space, allowing for uninterrupted traffic flow. If selected, artists agree to suitably frame, wire and install their artwork at their own expense. Artists must be willing to sign CAE’s Artwork Loan and Hold Harmless Agreement.

Artists are welcome to preview the exhibit location by contacting Lynne Douglas, Public Relations & Customer Service Manager, at l.douglas@flycae.com or 803-822-5020 as staff escort is required to access the location.

Insurance

Art displayed at CAE is insured by the Columbia Metropolitan Airport while on site; however, the transportation to and from the airport is not covered. Prior to installation, the artist will provide CAE with a description of the exhibit pieces to include the title and value of each piece.

Selection Process

Submissions will be reviewed by CAE’s selection committee. Artists selected for the rotating arts exhibit for the October 2020 – January 2021 season will be notified by September 11, 2020.

Things to Know:

CAE does not charge artists to exhibit their work, nor does it take any commission on pieces sold. Any transactions of artwork sales will be conducted directly between the artist and the customer purchasing the artwork.

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) is now offering free masks for travelers courtesy of The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT hereafter). DOT recently announced their distribution of cloth facial coverings to the aviation, transit, and rail transportation sectors for passenger use.

“We appreciate this needed resource from DOT/Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),” said CAE Executive Director, Mike Gula. “We are working every day to ensure the safety of our travelers and having free masks available for passengers aids in our commitment to the well-being of everyone traveling through CAE.”

CAE received over 55,000 facial coverings from DOT. The masks are available at no cost to travelers and are available, at the information desk in the main lobby and in the line at the TSA Security checkpoint.

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines serve CAE and each airline is requiring their passengers to wear a mask or face covering onboard their flights. Airlines have said that any passenger without a mask or face covering will be provided one at no charge.

Now with CAE’s supply of face masks as well as the airlines, travelers will have plenty of options to obtain a face mask should they not have one for their trip.

CAE continues to monitor the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) for guidance, updates and information that pertain to COVID-19.

Internally, the CAE team continues to work with airline and concessionaire partners to review and implement measures to ensure the airport’s cleanliness and safety for our travelers and employees.

Terminal Preparedness:

• Additional hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout the terminal and at all departure gates,
• Restrooms are being cleaned every one to two hours, but as traffic increases, cleanings will increase to hourly,
• Increased sanitizing is being done in the public seating areas and in the high touch areas such as handrails, escalators, and elevator buttons,
• The food concessionaire is serving a limited menu and practicing social distancing for diners,
• Plexiglas shields have been installed at airline counters, retail shops and at the restaurant. Employees are cleaning and sanitizing credit card machines after every use.

TSA/Security Checkpoint Preparedness:

• A Plexiglas shield has been installed at the check-in desk at TSA security checkpoint;
• Markers, to identify proper spacing, have been placed on the floor at TSA security checkpoint and at the retail store locations,

For continued COVID-19/Coronavirus updates, please visit our website at www.flycae.com and our social media channels.

Travelers are also reminded to contact their specific airline for updated travel information.

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) continues to monitor the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) for guidance, updates and information that pertains to COVID-19.

Internally, the CAE team continues to work with airline and concessionaire partners to review and implement measures to ensure the airport’s cleanliness and safety for our travelers and employees.

General Flight/Traveler Information:

• CAE remains open and operating,
• Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines are all operating at a reduced capacity,
• Each airline sets flight schedules as they see fit and can be adjusted at any time. Because of this, CAE encourages travelers to check with their respective airline before heading out to the airport,
• Each airline recently announced that they are requiring their passengers to wear a mask or face covering onboard their flights. American Airlines will begin this requirement on May 11, while Delta Air Lines and United Airlines will began the requirement on May 4. Airlines have said that any passenger without a mask or face covering will be provided one at no charge.

Terminal Preparedness:

• Additional hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout the terminal and at all departure gates,
• Restrooms are being cleaned every two hours, but as traffic increases, cleanings will increase to hourly,
• Increased sanitizing is being done in the public seating areas and in the high touch areas such as handrails, escalators, and elevator buttons,
• The food concessionaire is serving a limited menu and practicing social distancing for diners,
• Retail shops are installing shields at all registers and employees will be cleaning and sanitizing credit card machines after every use.

TSA/Security Check Point Preparedness:

• A Plexiglas shield has been installed at the check-in desk at TSA security checkpoint;
• Markers, to identify proper spacing, have been placed on the floor at TSA security checkpoint and at the retail store locations,

For continued COVID-19/Coronavirus updates, please visit our website and our social media channels.

As a part of the overall brand refresh, Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) updated the welcome sign leading into the airport and tapped local sign manufacturer, Colite International, for the job.

“Keep the job local was a concerted effort by the team as we have such outstanding, capable companies right here in the Midlands,” said Executive Director, Mike Gula. “We encourage the community to Fly local, so in that same sentiment, we too want to support local.”

Colite International is a full-service sign manufacturer with over 70 years of experience in branding, engineering, fabrication, and project management. Proudly serving the world’s largest brands and dozens of Fortune 500 companies, Colite International is based and headquartered in Columbia, SC.

“Working with the team at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport has been an honor, said Colite International CEO, Marty Brown. “The airport is a major asset to our community and especially to Colite’s visitors from around the world. It is exciting to help create and see innovative signage that reflects the new branding, growth, and vision of our beloved airport.”

CAE unveiled their brand refresh earlier this year that featured a new logo and new website. The welcome sign and signage throughout the parking garage were also updated to reflect the new look and feel of the airport. For more information and to stay up to day on CAE happenings, please visit www.flycae.com.

About Colite International:
Colite International is a full-service sign manufacturer with over 70 years of experience in branding, engineering, fabrication, and project management. We proudly serve the world’s largest brands and dozens of Fortune 500 companies. Colite offers complete turnkey signage programs and services for any exterior and interior signage needs. Of the many services that Colite offers, we specialize in brand identity sign programs, ensuring the brand integrity of our clients through quality and consistent signage implementations.

During this unprecedented pandemic, commercial air travel world-wide has significantly declined.

Columbia Metropolitan Airport’s (CAE hereafter) cargo shipments, however, have seen a steady uptick; thanks in part to local manufacturer, Nephron Pharmaceuticals and international cargo carrier, UPS.

Supporting the fight against COVID-19, Nephron Pharmaceuticals, based in Columbia, SC, added hand sanitizer, drugs for respiratory inhalation therapy and nebulizers to their existing production portfolio. Last month alone, Nephron Pharmaceuticals shipped over 25,000 pieces out of CAE to hundreds of hospitals across the nation.

“Team Nephron has been working overtime to deliver life-saving respiratory medications to patients around the country, including solutions that treat symptoms of COVID-19,” said Nephron CEO and owner Lou Kennedy. “The only way we have been able to meet the demands of increased orders is by working together with partners like UPS and CAE. We are grateful for our partners, and we are grateful for the opportunity to play an important role in the nation’s response to the pandemic. We cannot overstate how important the local UPS hub is to our business. Having them based out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport, our local airport, is instrumental to the sustainability of our healthcare operation.”

Nephron Pharmaceuticals, with a manufacturing partner, plans to launch a new product this year which will ship direct to patients around the country. This large scale project will commence in September 2020 and is slated for 200,000 monthly shipments by May 2021 – mostly utilizing UPS small package air service out of CAE.

During the month of April, UPS is increasing the number of company-owned and chartered air freighter flights by more than 185 in response to customer orders. The company is flexing capacity to meet soaring customer demand to ship test kits, personal protective equipment and other supplies necessary to the global Coronavirus response effort.

“We understand the important role of logistics during a global crisis like the Coronavirus,” said Dan Gagnon, vice president of UPS Healthcare Marketing. “In times like these, we are all the more proud to support healthcare organizations like Nephron and deploy our capabilities to help get much-needed medicines, equipment and supplies into hospitals and clinics where they can save lives.”

Over the years, CAE has consistently been a top producing cargo hub in the nation, as well as within the state – leading all other airports. Serving as the home for UPS operations, cargo drastically rose in 2019 to moving some 76,194 tons – an 11% increase over 2018 and up 22% from 2014. By comparison, Charleston International Airport handled roughly 47, 976 tons of cargo in 2019.

A vital part of the overall operations taking place at CAE, cargo provides and keeps hundreds of jobs within the community.

“The robust cargo operation in place at Columbia Metropolitan Airport is one that many aren’t aware of or fully know the economic impact it has on the region and state,” said Mike Gula, Executive Director of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. “CAE serves all of South Carolina and even portions of surrounding states. For outbound freight, feeder flights and truck shipments arrive at CAE daily from our surrounding airports, businesses, and cities before being sorted and distributed through our integrated carriers – UPS and others. This process is reversed for inbound freight. Key businesses benefit from the proximity to CAE, including Nephron and others, but even small businesses in the Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Customer (B2C) e-commerce space require these logistics networks to succeed in today’s economy.”

About UPS:
UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including transporting packages and freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. UPS was awardedAmerica’s Best Customer Service company for Shipping and Delivery services by Newsweek magazine; Forbes Most Valuable Brand in Transportation; and top rankings on the JUST 100 list for social responsibility, the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, and the Harris Poll Reputation Quotient, among other prestigious rankings and awards. The company can be found on the web at ups.com or pressroom.ups.com and its corporate blog can be found at ups.com/longitudes The company’s sustainability eNewsletter, UPS Horizons, can be found at ups.com/sustainabilitynewsletter. To get UPS news direct, follow @UPS_News on Twitter. To ship with UPS, visit ups.com/ship.

About Nephron Pharmaceuticals:
Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation develops and produces safe, affordable generic inhalation solutions and suspension products that can be used to treat symptoms associated with COVID-19. In addition, the company operates an industry-leading 503B Outsourcing Facility division which produces pre-filled sterile syringes and IV bags for hospitals across America, in an effort to alleviate their drug shortage needs.

at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)

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As of October 28, 2020:

Statement from Columbia Metropolitan Airport:

With the recent outbreak of Coronavirus, identified as a respiratory disease, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) has been closely monitoring updates issued from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to remain as up to date and informed on the status of this disease as possible for our travelers.

Public health experts recommend the following best practices to increase the likelihood of preventing illness:

• Washing hands frequently,
• Avoiding contact with people who are sick,
• Staying home when sick and
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces

At CAE, we too are taking extra precautions to include:

• Increased sanitizing in the public seating areas
• Deeper and more frequent cleanings in the restrooms
• Hand sanitizing stations are available Pre- and Post-Security Checkpoint
• Offering free masks to all of our travelers

Should you have any concerns regarding flying or the status of your flight, we encourage you to check with your airline directly. For more information on the virus and precautionary measures in place please visit the Center for Disease Control’s website. Should you have any questions, please send us a message.

Airport/Tenant Closures, Temporary Hours, Reduced Service Updates:

Republic Parking, the parking service company in place at CAE, will discontinue valet parking services until further notice.

Carolina Concessions, CAE’s food service provider, will temporarily close The Sky Café, Carolina Subs and The BBQ Pit until future notice. Riverbanks Bar & Grille will remain open with a modified and limited menu. Additionally, signage has been put in place encouraging travelers to practice social distancing while dining.

Red Eye Express, the mobile coffee cart located in the connector, has temporarily closed and will reopen when able.

Paradies, CAE’s retail shop provider, will have adjusted hours at all three locations. Columbia Travelmart, the bookstore, will now be open from 4:30 am – 7:30 pm or when the last flight boards. News & Gifts (in the main lobby) will be open from 4:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Capitol Marketplace (in the Delta gates) will be closed until further notice.  

Finally, USO at CAE has discontinued volunteer services at the information and welcome desk until further notice. Should any traveler have any questions or need anything, they are encouraged to call 803.822.5050.

Airline Updates and Information:

We encourage those individuals who are traveling to stay updated on the latest news and developments from their airline of choice. Direct links to the airlines that service Columbia Metropolitan Airport are below.

American Airlines

Delta Air Lines

United Airlines

Passenger traffic at CAE in 2019 was up… way up! 1,353,788 passengers traveled through the airport – a 13.03% increase over 2018. 

“2018 was the best year we had in a decade and 2019 just beat that record,” said Mike Gula, Executive Director of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. “With passenger traffic up 13.03%, we’re thankful to the Midlands community for utilizing CAE. The more passengers that consider and choose CAE, the more opportunities we, along with our partner airlines, will be able to provide.”

With increased passenger traffic, new flights, new amenities for passengers, continued green energy savings and an updated parking system launching soon, CAE certainly ended 2019 on a high note. 

Some of the highlights from 2019 include: 

• CAE saw a 13.03% increase in passenger traffic in 2019, with 1,353,788 passengers flying through the airport,
  
• American Airlines and Delta Air Lines added nonstop service to New York/LaGuardia – bringing the total number of options to travel to New York City through CAE to three. Additionally, American Airlines added a nonstop route to Miami, Florida – opening the Caribbean to Midlands area residents,
  
• A Mamava nursing pod was installed in August – National Breast Feeding Month – providing traveling mothers with a safe, clean, secure location to nurse their children that isn’t the restroom,
  
• With upgraded lighting fixtures and HVAC system, CAE’s green energy initiatives generated over $430,000 worth of energy revenue and savings, and
  
• Within the first few months of 2020, passengers will be able to park with ease in the garage with the help of a new parking guidance system. The system utilizes red and green lights over each parking spot signifying if a spot is available or not. 

“We’re very pleased with the success we saw in 2019 and look forward to another strong year in 2020,” said Gula. “We encourage everyone to continue flying with us, and stay tuned for more news and information coming out of CAE in the near future.”