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The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an order on January 29, 2021, following an executive order that as of February 1, 2021 at 11:59 p.m., masks are required inside all U.S. airports.

Masks are defined as a covering that goes over both the nose and the mouth. Additional information from the CDC regarding masks states:

The following are attributes of masks needed to fulfill the requirements of the Order. CDC will update this guidance as needed.

• A properly worn mask completely covers the nose and mouth.
• Cloth masks should be made with two or more layers of a breathable fabric that is tightly woven (i.e., fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source).
• Mask should be secured to the head with ties, ear loops, or elastic bands that go behind the head. If gaiters are worn, they should have two layers of fabric or be folded to make two layers.
• Mask should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.
• Mask should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves, or punctures.

The following attributes are additionally acceptable as long as masks meet the requirements above.

• Masks can be either manufactured or homemade.
• Masks can be reusable or disposable.
• Masks can have inner filter pockets.
• Clear masks or cloth masks with a clear plastic panel may be used to facilitate communication with people who are hearing impaired or others who need to see a speaker’s mouth to understand speech.
• Medical masks and N-95 respirators fulfill the requirements of the Order.

The following do not fulfill the requirements of the Order.

• Masks worn in a way that does not cover both the mouth and nose
• Face shields or goggles (face shields or goggles may be worn to supplement a mask that meets above required attributes)
• Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, or bandannas
• Shirt or sweater collars (e.g., turtleneck collars) pulled up over the mouth and nose.
• Masks made from loosely woven fabric or that are knitted, i.e., fabrics that let light pass through
• Masks made from materials that are hard to breathe through (such as vinyl, plastic or leather)
• Masks containing slits, exhalation valves, or punctures
• Masks that do not fit properly (large gaps, too loose or too tight)

For the latest information on this newly issued mandate, please visit www.cdc.gov, www.flycae.com or the website of your airline.

The unprecedented events of 2020 had a severe impact on the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter).

For year-end 2020, parking revenue was down 56%, airline revenue was down 35%, tenant revenue (to include rental cars, retail and concessions) was down 31% and CAE closed the year with a total loss in revenue of nearly $9 million.

But, despite the challenges that came with COVID-19, CAE didn’t slow down. Instead, work ramped up on a number of projects that helped lay the groundwork for the airport to head into 2021 focused on moving forward.

At the start of the year, CAE launched two significant projects:

• A brand refresh complete with a new logo, new brand colors and a new website,
  
• And the installation of a parking guidance system in the parking garage. This system allows passengers to quickly see which parking spots are available, indicated by red and green lights over each spot.

In the summer, as passenger traffic significantly slowed, the CAE team continued work on:

• Making campus wide updates and improvements that included landscaping, painting and cleaning,  
  
• Developing and launching the Art in the Airport program,

• Creating a new online newsletter, Takeoff to Touchdown,

• Partnering with Magnus Partners to create 803 Industrial Park – an effort to increase business development opportunities on airport property,
  
• And launching an online pre-book parking system, allowing travelers to save on parking rates for extended stay visits.

One of the highlights of 2020 at CAE was the addition of low cost carrier, Silver Airways. This addition to the lineup of airline carriers bolstered the number of available air service options to the traveling public – something the team is always working to do.

What’s next at CAE? In the months and years to come, additional, large-scale projects will be taking place inside the terminal to enhance and improve needed operational functions, making the traveler experience even easier. The replacement of all escalators in the parking garage and throughout the terminal (both on the landside and airside) is currently in progress, and the in-line baggage system will begin in the summer of 2021.  

“Without a doubt, this past year was one of the hardest and most challenging for CAE,” said Mike Gula, Executive Director of CAE. “In spite of it all, this team remained strong. We focused on those things that were within out control, while continuing to deliver the service we’re known for. 2021 is a new year with new opportunities and possibilities and we look forward to what’s to come.”

About the Columbia Metropolitan Airport: (Until further notice, flight schedules subject to change and adjust due to COVID-19). Now providing nonstop service to 12 major airports in 11 cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, New York City (LGA), Philadelphia, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Washington, D.C. (Dulles and Reagan National). Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), a Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accredited facility, continues to be a major economic driver for the Midlands region. Welcoming over 1.3 million passengers in 2019, CAE is served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Silver Airways and United Airlines and is a regional cargo hub for UPS and is also served by FedEx. For more information, please visit www.flycae.com.

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COLUMBIA, SC (December 1, 2020) – Pre-book and save on the spot. Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) today launched a new, online parking system that allows travelers the option to pre-book parking in either surface or garage lots and save on regular parking rates.

“Incorporating this option into our parking services offerings is another way we are trying to make the overall travel experience as easy and convenient as possible,” said CAE Executive Director, Mike Gula.

The innovative parking system, which is accessible through CAE’s website, flycae.com, is designed to offer a more affordable parking solution, with added savings, for customers.

Beginning November 24, travelers can pre-book parking through an easy online process:

1. Visit flycae.com, click on the pre-book icon on the homepage and enter trip dates;
2. Choose a parking package based on the desired lot location and cost;
3. Submit payment online; and
4. Scan an emailed barcode upon entry and exit to the parking lot.

The online booking system is called GOairport and utilizes dynamic pricing, yield management and occupancy-based pricing techniques that share similar fundamentals with the airline and hotel industry which delivers the most competitive prices to travelers.

“We commend CAE for taking this step to making their customer journey more contactless and affordable through dynamic pricing. We are confident that this attractive pricing will lead more travelers to park at the airport and for longer periods of time which not only benefits those flying out of CAE, but will support the airport through its COVID-19 recovery efforts,” said Martin Jones, CEO of MAG USA, developer of the GOairport digital parking suite.

CAE’s valet parking services will not be available as a pre-book option until further notice. Travelers will still have the traditional option of paying for parking when exiting the parking garage or surface lots, under the existing payment system.

About GOairport Parking Commercial Services | Magworld.com: GOairport is a product of MAG USA’s tailored approach to digitalized non-aeronautical activities, providing an end-to-end set of technology solutions for airports and passengers to choose more convenient travel experiences.

About the Columbia Metropolitan Airport: (Until further notice, flight schedules subject to change and adjust due to COVID-19). Now providing nonstop service to nine major airports in eight cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, New York City (LGA), Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. (Dulles and Reagan National). Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) continues to be a major economic driver for the Midlands region. Welcoming over 1.3 million passengers in 2019, CAE is served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines and is a regional cargo hub for UPS and is also served by FedEx. For more information, please visit www.flycae.com.

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COLUMBIA, SC (December 17, 2020) – Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) and members from Silver Airways today celebrated the start of the airline’s new nonstop service to Florida.

“We are excited to welcome Silver Airways to CAE,” said Executive Director, Mike Gula. “For so long we were without a low-cost carrier, and to have Silver Airways join our airline roster is a wonderful way to end the year for CAE and the Columbia community.”

Flying nonstop to Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Orland, Florida, Silver Airways will offer service on Thursdays and Sundays. The low-cost carrier is currently offering $49 one way fares through January 31, 2021 in celebration of the new service.

”We are delighted to introduce Silver’s safe, reliable, and customer friendly service to Columbia, South Carolina” said Steve Rossum, Chief Executive Officer of Silver Airways. “We are thrilled to introduce our travelers to Columbia- a vibrant growing city with Southern charm and countless recreational, cultural, and dining opportunities. And we are offering South Carolinians the opportunity to conveniently explore the beaches, theme parks, nightlife of Florida’s three most important travel destinations,” added Rossum.
“A diverse offering of air travel options is always something the CAE team is working toward for the local community,” said CAE’s Director of Marketing & Air Service Development, Kim Jamieson. “With the challenges we were presented with this year, welcoming Silver Airways to CAE is definitely a bright spot.”

With the addition of Silver Airways, CAE now has four airline partners – American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Silver Airways – and serves 11 nonstop destinations to 10 cities (two routes serve D.C.).

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.

About the Columbia Metropolitan Airport: (Until further notice, flight schedules subject to change and adjust due to COVID-19). Now providing nonstop service to 12 major airports in 11 cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, New York City (LGA), Philadelphia, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Washington, D.C. (Dulles and Reagan National). Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) continues to be a major economic driver for the Midlands region. Welcoming over 1.3 million passengers in 2019, CAE is served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines and is a regional cargo hub for UPS and is also served by FedEx. For more information, please visit www.flycae.com.

COLUMBIA, SC (December 22, 2020) – Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is pleased to announce that it has earned the accreditation of being a Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ facility. This recognition commits CAE to maintaining the gold standard for prepared facilities.

“Earning this recognition reassures our valued travelers that during these uncertain times, the team here at CAE is going above and beyond to keep the airport even cleaner than it always is,” said Executive Director, Mike Gula.

Under the guidance of GBAC, a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, Columbia Metropolitan Airport implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention throughout the airport.

As the cleaning industry’s only outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation, GBAC STAR™ helps organizations establish protocols and procedures, offers expert-led training and assesses a facility’s readiness for biorisk situations.

The program verifies that Columbia Metropolitan Airport is implementing the best practices to prepare for, respond to and recover from outbreaks and pandemics.

“GBAC STAR accreditation empowers facility owners and managers to assure workers, customers and key stakeholders that they have proven systems in place to maintain clean and healthy environments,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “By taking this important step to pursue and earn GBAC STAR, Columbia Metropolitan Airport will receive third-party validation that it follows strict protocols for biorisk situations, thereby demonstrating its preparedness and commitment to operating safely.”

To achieve GBAC STAR™ accreditation, Columbia Metropolitan Airport demonstrated compliance with the program’s 20 core elements, which range from standard operating procedures and risk assessment
strategies to personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness and response measures. Learn more about GBAC STAR accreditation at www.gbac.org.

About GBAC, a Division of ISSA: Composed of international leaders in the field of microbial-pathogenic threat analysis, mitigation, response and recovery, the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, provides training, guidance, accreditation, certification, crisis management assistance and leadership to government, commercial and private entities looking to mitigate, quickly address and/or recover from biological threats and real-time crises. The organization’s services include biorisk management program assessment and training, Forensic Restoration® response and remediation, the GBAC STAR™ facility accreditation program, training and certification of individuals and consulting for building owners and facility managers. For more information, visit www.gbac.org.

About ISSA: With more than 9,300 members—including distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, building service contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaners and associated service members—ISSA is the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry. The association is committed to changing the way the world views cleaning by providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment and an improved bottom line. Headquartered in Northbrook, Ill., USA, the association has regional offices in Mainz, Germany; Whitby, Canada; Parramatta, Australia; Seoul, South Korea; and Shanghai, China. For more information about ISSA, visit www.issa.com or call 800-225-4772 (North America) or 847-982-0800.

About the Columbia Metropolitan Airport: (Until further notice, flight schedules subject to change and adjust due to COVID-19). Now providing nonstop service to 12 major airports in 11 cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, New York City (LGA), Philadelphia, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Washington, D.C. (Dulles and Reagan National). Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) continues to be a major economic driver for the Midlands region. Welcoming over 1.3 million passengers in 2019, CAE is served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Silver Airways and United Airlines and is a regional cargo hub for UPS and is also served by FedEx. For more information, please visit www.flycae.com.

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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 Kim Jamieson, Director of Marketing and Air Service Development, via email at K.Jamieson@flycae.com. 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.