News & Media

The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) is proud to announce that beginning Monday, October 24^th the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program will be launching at CAE – a new in-terminal initiative for passengers with hidden disabilities. The program offers a discreet way for those with a hidden disability to self-identify – alerting staff that they, or someone in their party, might need a little more time or extra help. 

“Upon learning about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, we immediately wanted to be involved,” said Mike Gula, Executive Director of CAE. “We do everything we can to ensure our passengers have a good experience while traveling through our airport. By adding this initiative for those who have a hidden disability is just another way we’re putting our passengers’ needs first.” 

Individuals who would like to utilize the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program at CAE (for themselves or someone in their traveling party) would simply go to the information desk in the main lobby and ask one of the volunteers for a lanyard or bracelet. The items are free and do not need to be returned.

Hidden disabilities could be physical, mental, or neurological conditions that could include, but are not limited to, cognitive dysfunction, mental disorders, speech/visual/hearing impairments, anxiety, PTSD or chronic conditions.

“Columbia Metropolitan Airport has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program to enhance the customer experience for their passengers.” said Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. “I am delighted that being part of the global Sunflower network means their passengers can be confident that they will receive the support they need as they travel through the airport.”

Over the last few months, the CAE staff, public safety and security, concessionaires, tenants, and airline partners have all participated in the necessary training that accompanies the Hidden Disability Sunflower Program. The training videos, provided by the company, include best practices for those who engage with a person wearing a sunflower lanyard or bracelet and how to assist them.

“Leading the charge and being the first airport in South Carolina to incorporate this initiative is a point of pride for us,” said Gula. “For us, it’s all about providing an excellent passenger experience every time.”

The South Carolina Air National Guard’s 169^th Fighter Wing, which has been operating out of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) since April due to runway renovations at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, will be extending their flight training operations at CAE for several weeks, SCANG officials announced today.

“When we started the renovations of our main runway in April, we had expected that this project would take approximately six months and consequently we had been aiming for an end of October completion date,” said Col. Quaid Quadri, 169^th Fighter Wing Commander. “However, due to unforeseen circumstances during the construction process, we have had to adjust the completion timeline and will be staying at Columbia Metropolitan Airport several more weeks,” Quadri said.

Unanticipated conditions during the demolition of the existing runway at McEntire Joint National Guard Base created additional work which dictated more time required to finish the project, Quadri explained.

The 169th Fighter Wing has been conducting its flight training operations as well as supporting its 24/7 homeland defense mission from Columbia Metropolitan Airport in Lexington County since April. Approximately 200 military personnel from the SCANG have been working at Columbia Metropolitan Airport at any one time during the week. On drill training weekends, the number of SCANG personnel at the airport is closer to 300 people. The vast majority of SCANG personnel remained and will continue to remain at McEntire Joint National Guard Base for their work.

“We understand the challenges with large-scale projects and invite our partners with the South Carolina Air National Guard to continue this temporary relocation as long as they need,” said Mike Gula, Executive Director at CAE. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure we’re supporting our military community in every way we can. We appreciate our community’s patience and understanding during this temporary relocation and ask they continue enjoying the sounds of freedom here at CAE.”  

“We appreciate the overwhelming support we have received from Columbia Metropolitan Airport as well as all our community partners. We are grateful for everyone’s patience and understanding as we strive to move our jets from CAE and back to McEntire as soon as it’s feasible,” Quadri said.

The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) is pleased to welcome back to the airport longtime nonprofit partner, Transitions Homeless Center (Transitions hereafter). Each year, Transitions works alongside CAE to highlight the outstanding, artistic talents of its clients in a beautiful and meaningful exhibit.

“This exhibit is reflective of the fact that the homeless in our community are not invisible,” said Vice President of Advancement, Elizabeth Igleheart. “When we bring the client artists out to the airport to see their art on display, it gives them such a sense of self-worth and pride.”

Each piece of art within the exhibit is as unique as the artist behind it, providing a glimpse into their lives, their current life stage and their future plans and goals.
“We’re thrilled to be able to continue our strong partnership with Transitions to bring such a powerful exhibit to our travelers,” said Director of Marketing and Air Service Development, Kim Jamieson Crafton. “By amplifying a marginalized group within our community in this way, CAE is able to ensure its focus of diversity, equity and inclusion remains woven into the fabric of everything we do.

“We really appreciate the ongoing partnership we have with the Columbia Metropolitan Airport,” said Igleheart. “Each year it is exciting to see what new talent we can discover among our clients at Transitions. The exhibit helps all of us remember that even the least among us have a gift they can share if we let them.”

The Transitions exhibit will be on display now through the end of fall and located in the entrance to CAE’s food court.

About Transitions Homeless Center:
The Midlands Housing Alliance (dba Transitions Homeless Center) opened on June 15, 2011. Since opening, Transitions has helped 3,300 clients transition out of homelessness and into permanent housing. Transitions is not a traditional shelter, so its 260 homeless clients are able to stay for the length of time they need to address their physical and mental health issues. As the only organization of its type to have remained fully open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has made it possible for more than 267 clients to move out of homelessness in the past year. They continue to provide support services to help men and women secure employment and to serve more than 500 meals each day.

With the official start of summer kicking off today, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) is sharing useful air travel tips to ensure its passengers have an easy travel experience from start to finish for their next flight.

“In May, CAE saw roughly 101,000 passengers through the airport,” said Director of Marketing & Air Service Development, Kim Crafton. “By way of comparison, in May of 2021, we saw roughly 82,000 passengers. This increase of roughly 31% is not only a sign that air travel is back and thriving, but something locals should consider when getting ready to fly out.”

With travel restrictions loosening globally, more and more individuals are taking advantage of flying to destinations – both domestic and international – for their summer vacations. And that means increased passenger traffic at airports everywhere.

In an effort to prepare the Columbia community who will soon be taking to the skies for their next trip, CAE wants to share a few air travel tips to ensure everyone…flies with ease. 

• Pre-book Parking: By pre-booking parking, most passengers will see a savings on the daily rate on extended stays. To pre-book, simply visit www.flycae.com/airport/parking.

• Check Flight Status: By downloading the app of the carrier of choice, passengers are able to get regular and real-time notifications regarding their flight. Passengers are also encouraged to check CAE’s website for flight status as another resource. That information can be found by visiting, www.flycae.com/flight-information.

• Arrive Early: Arriving two hours early for your flight will ensure that you’re waiting at the gate, and not in the TSA security line.

• Get TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry: This five-year membership is acquired through an application process and allows you to keep shoes on, laptops in your bag, belts and jackets on and ensure an expedited security screening process. Traveling internationally regularly? Global Entry includes Pre-Check and can be obtained through a similar application process.

• Double Check Your Bags: Before arriving to the airport, fully examine all carry-on bags to ensure no illegal items are inside. These items – firearms, restricted TSA objects or materials, etc. – will certainly hold up passengers in the security line and may keep an individual from flying. (Firearms are NOT allowed in carry-on baggage and must be properly stored in checked bags. Firearms found at the TSA security check point will be confiscated and fines may be issued).

• Follow CAE on Social Media: CAE regularly shares important and useful travel notifications on social media. Following CAE’s channels keeps travelers in the loop with the latest airport and airline details. Passengers can find CAE on:
  • Instagram (@FlyCAE)
  • Facebook (Columbia Metropolitan Airport CAE)
  • Twitter (@iFlyCAE)
  • LinkedIn (Columbia Metropolitan Airport)

• Pack Your Patience: With the start of summer travel comes more passengers in the airport, long lines, delays, missed connections and some cancellations due to staffing shortages or inclement weather. CAE encourages everyone to pack some patience and know that many people are working behind the scenes to ensure as few disruptions as possible.

“CAE’s number one priority has always been its passengers,” said Executive Director, Mike Gula. “We look forward to making this summer’s travel experience as convenient and easy as possible.”

Passenger traffic at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) is on the rise after data from the first quarter of 2022 reflects a month over month increase since the start of the 2022 calendar year. January 2022 saw a dramatic 81.50% increase over January 2021, with February 2022 following suit with an even stronger 85.95% increase over passenger traffic this same time last year.

“Passenger traffic has been consistently strong this first quarter of 2022 and we anticipate this steady increase month over month will continue as we head into the busy spring and summer months,” said Executive Director of CAE, Mike Gula. “We are seeing both personal and the long-awaited business travel return in great volumes – which is welcomed. We are not back to pre-pandemic numbers due to the air travel halt COVID-19 brought to airports around the world, but we have far surpassed early projections.”

Passenger traffic from CAE for both Q1 2022 and 2021 is:

Estimated Total Passenger Traffic with YOY/MOM Comparison
January
2022	63,495
2021	37,007
February
2022	69,231
2021	37,244
March
2022	87,824
2021	56,401

Additionally, CAE has proactively begun work on several large-scale, in-terminal and campus wide, projects that are focused squarely on enhancing the passenger’s overall experience.

• The current in-line baggage system installation began last year and is slated to wrap up this November 2022. Once complete, the new system would remove the large scanners from the main lobby, allowing the airport entrance to feel spacious and open. The update allows checked bags to be processed at the ticket counter – eliminating the hassle and additional step for passengers to have to walk their bags over to be scanned by a TSA representative.
• CAE in partnership with the South Carolina Air National Guard will be the host location for several F-16 fighter jets beginning next month. This arrangement, slated to last six months, will allow McEntire Joint Air Force Base to resurface and update its current F-16 runway. CAE’s commercial operations will not be affected during this operation.
•  80 Years of Flight. This year marks 80 years of flight that has taken place on the airport campus – most notably the historic Doolittle Raid that occurred in April 1942, 80 years ago. CAE will be rolling out images, information, and hosting events to recognize this milestone year. Stay tuned as more information on this initiative will be released soon.

“In all aspects, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport is moving forward with a focus on creating the best airport environment not only for our current passengers, but the many more we know we will see come through our doors,” said Gula. “We’re preparing now for the inevitable future growth we will see and look forward to remaining a vital and strong economic engine and resource for this entire region.”

Please note: The federal mask mandate – requiring individuals to wear a mask in and on the airport campus (passengers, individuals picking up passengers, etc.) has been extended until May 3, 2022. For more information about nonstop flights from CAE, please visit FlyCAE.com.

Today, the South Carolina Air National Guard (SCANG hereafter) announced a temporary relocation operation of F-16s from McEntire Joint National Guard Base (McEntire hereafter) to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter). The temporary operation, set to begin in April and last for six months, comes as McEntire will soon begin resurfacing its current F-16 runway.

“Thank you to our partner the Columbia Metropolitan Airport for their support and assistance as we move our fighter operations to the airport for the next six months,” said U.S. Air Force Colonel Quaid Quadri, 169th Fighter Wing commander. “We see this temporary arrangement as a win-win for the South Carolina Air National Guard as well as the local community.”

This temporary operation will in no way impact daily commercial flights taking off and landing at CAE. Passengers should travel confidentially knowing that operations at the airport will continue as scheduled without any interruptions.

In the coming weeks, CAE will establish an observation area that community members can utilize to safety view F-16 takeoffs and landings throughout the day. Parking will be available in the surface parking lot at no charge for the first 30 minutes or in the garage at the normal daily rate. CAE asks individuals visiting the airport to view the F-16s to use great caution. Parking on the side of the road or in unauthorized areas will not be allowed.

Air traffic noise levels may be increased during the temporary operation. Locals who live in and around the airport should be aware of this beginning in April and understand it will last for roughly six months.

“We have taken every measure to safely reduce our noise footprint and any potential disruptions,” said Colonel Quadri. “We appreciate the understanding of the neighbors of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport and the Midlands.”

This partnership is one of many between the SCANG and CAE that has occurred over the years including the use of CAE’s airfield by the Navy and the Air Force for touch-and-gos and other flight training needs.

“During the next six months we want to ensure the community that while noise will inevitably increase by the F-16 aircraft, the teams at the SCANG and CAE will be available to answer any questions and concerns,” said Executive Director of CAE, Mike Gula. “CAE looks forward to supporting our longstanding partners at the South Carolina Air National Guard during this temporary relocation operation.”

For updated information on this temporary relocation and for frequently asked questions, please visit FlyCAE.com.

About South Carolina Air National Guard/McEntire Joint National Guard Base:
The South Carolina Air National Guard comprises nearly 1,500 Airmen who serve their state and nation. The primary unit of the South Carolina Air National Guard is the 169th Fighter Wing. Its mission is to maintain wartime readiness and the ability to mobilize and deploy expeditiously to carry out tactical air missions or combat support activities in the event of a war or military emergency. The South Carolina Air National Guard operates as part of the Total Force of the U.S. military and is fully integrated with the active-duty Air Force. Additionally, members of the South Carolina Air National Guard respond to state and national emergencies as directed by the Governor. The wing flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a single-seat, multi-purpose fighter with the ability to fly up to twice the speed of sound. It is capable of performing air-to-air and air-to-ground tactical missions.

The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT hereafter) will be hosting a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE hereafter) certification workshop on Thursday, March 24^th in the airport’s Carolina Room from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

This free event is for those interested in learning more about DBE certification, as well as learning about job and contract opportunities with the airport.

Team members from both CAE and SCDOT will be onsite to provide a comprehensive overview of the certification process and answer any questions attendees have regarding applying for and securing this certification.

To register for this event, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/265832009697

Parking for this event will be free for all registered attendees. For more information or questions about this event, please email info@flycae.com

The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) has been selected by the Department of Defense (DoD hereafter) as an industry partner in their nationally recognized and noteworthy program, SkillBridge. The DOD SkillBridge program pairs Servicemen and women with companies and organizations in various industries for internship opportunities and further civilian training.

The program is an opportunity for those with six months or less of active duty service remaining and have an approved separation date under honorable conditions. Currently, there are more than 250 industry partners participating in the program, including Home Depot, Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

“Opening the doors of CAE and welcoming in members of the military after they’ve served our country is a special privilege,” said CAE Executive Director, Mike Gula. “So far, two participants have successfully completed the SkillBridge program at CAE. This mutually beneficial program is one CAE is proud to support.”

CAE is the only airport in South Carolina currently participating in the SkillBridge program.

SkillBridge Spotlight from CAE:

Chris Davis was a participant of the SkillBridge program at CAE beginning in the summer of 2021. Davis started in CAE’s Operations Department as an intern, learning the day-to-day routine, logistics and inspection protocol of airport operations. After sharing with the airport he had a Masters in Human Resources, Davis did double duty, supporting both the Operations and Human Resources teams at CAE.

Toward the end of Davis’s time as an intern with the SkillBridge training program, there was coincidently a retirement of a longtime member of CAE’s Human Resources team. Davis applied for the Human Resources manager position and the rest is history.

“I was fortunate to be able to take advantage of the Department of Defense SkillBridge program prior to my military retirement,” said Chris Davis, Human Resource Manager for CAE. “This program provided me an invaluable opportunity to transition from a uniformed Senior Noncommissioned Officer overseeing six military airfields from a strategic standpoint, to wearing slacks and a collared shirt navigating my way through life in a civilian labor force. On my first day at CAE I had no idea it would turn into this full-time opportunity and I’m so grateful for this program and CAE. SkillBridge is definitely a win-win for all involved”.             

Two new SkillBridge program participants are starting their internships this week at CAE, working in the Engineering Department and on the Human Resources team.

For more information about the SkillBridge program at CAE please email info@flycae.com. 

The COVID-19 testing site currently being hosted at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter), in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC hereafter), will discontinue testing services at CAE on Friday, March 11th.

Testing services will be available throughout the day on Friday, March 11th until 6 p.m.

The closure of this testing site, one of many being closed across the state, comes as SCDHEC has decided to shift away from public testing.

“The testing site at CAE was one of the more popular locations offering free COVID-19 testing and we were grateful to SCDHEC, as well as the Rapid Reliable Testing team, for the partnership,” said CAE Executive Director, Mike Gula. “Providing this needed resource to our community and traveling public was a significant opportunity and we were happy to host the site here at the airport.”

The free testing site at CAE opened in the Cellphone Lot at CAE in October of 2021 and has been operating seven days a week from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. The testing site offered both nasal and saliva based PCR tests and, on average, returned results within 24 – 48 hours.

For information regarding current COVID-19 guidelines while traveling through CAE, please visit: www.flycae.com