News & Media

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), in partnership with South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), RRT and Extraordinary Headhunters, LLC., today announced that beginning Monday, August 30, 2021 CAE will host a drive-thru COVID-19 testing site.

“Providing this needed resource for travelers, staff and locals is imperative to ensure continued safety and awareness as we as a community work together to combat COVID-19,” said Mike Gula, Executive Director of CAE.

For anyone considering utilizing this location, CAE wants to ensure individuals are aware of the following information:

• The COVID-19 testing site will be located in CAE’s cellphone parking lot, which is located just past the main entrance sign on the right before you get to the main terminal.
• All tests are free to the general public. Individuals do not have to be flying out to receive a COVID-19 test.
• To start, the COVID-19 testing site at CAE will be open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. seven days a week. Adjustments may be made considering overall demand.
• The tests administered will be the Real Time (RT) PCR test as approved by SCDHEC. Results will take roughly 24 hours.

As of right now, the drive-thru COVID-19 testing site at CAE will run through fall 2021.

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 destinations 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.

The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is reporting higher than projected numbers at the midway point in the 2021 calendar year.

“The rate at which passengers have returned to air travel this year has been more than we initially projected in late 2020,” said CAE Executive Director, Mike Gula. “We’re pleased to see the consistent increase in passenger traffic through the airport and thank the community for their continued support in utilizing CAE.”

So far this year, CAE has seen more passengers each month than the previous month. Total passenger counts for each month in 2021 are:

• January – 37,007
• February – 37,244
• March – 56,401
• April – 60,203
• May – 73, 013
• June – 83,289
• Note: July numbers are not yet available

The total passenger traffic for CAE YTD is 347,157. (This number includes January – June 2021).

To compare, in June 2020, 28,925 total passengers traveled through CAE, while June 2021 had 83,289. This is a monthly increase of 187.95% in passenger traffic and places CAE 12.13% above where it was this time last year.

In April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a statement declaring that fully vaccinated Americans could travel within the United State without pre or post testing. Since this announcement, CAE has seen a significant spike in individuals opting to fly to their desired destinations.

With the surge in passenger traffic, CAE has also seen most of their paused routes return to their regular schedules and frequencies.

“With the exception of our nonstop service to LGA on both Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, all of our routes have resumed,” said Kim Jamieson, Director of Marketing and Air Service Development. “In December of 2020 we successfully added our newest Low Cost Carrier, Silver Airways that currently has service to Tampa and Orlando, Florida with service to Fort Lauderdale returning in late August.” As a reminder, masks are still required in the airport – for those traveling and for those individuals dropping off or picking up passengers. This federal mandate is in place until September 13, 2021 or until further notice.

Ahead of the holiday weekend and as summer break is officially here, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) is sharing useful air travel tips to ensure
passengers are prepared and ready for their next flight.

“Since April 2021 when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a statement that
fully vaccinated Americans could travel within the United States without pre or post testing, we have seen a significant increase in passenger traffic month over month,” said Kim Jamieson, Director of Marketing & Air Service Development for CAE.

In May of 2020, CAE saw roughly 15,400 passengers through the airport, compared to May of 2021, when CAE saw roughly 72,800 passengers. From a nationwide perspective, it was reported on TSA.gov that 2,066,964 travelers went through TSA security checkpoints on June 28, 2021. This data shows that travel is certainly back!

CAE is grateful to the Columbia, SC community for utilizing CAE and encourages passengers to continue to Fly Local and use their hometown airport.

For those returning to air travel, CAE wants to share a few travel tips to prepare you for an easy experience:

• Don’t forget your mask! This federal mandate is in place until September 13, 2021 or until further notice. This mandate applies for inside the terminal (for those flying and those who are picking up passengers) and while onboard any aircraft that service CAE.
• Check the status of your flight often on your airline’s app or CAE’s website (https://flycae.com/flight-information/) before coming to the airport.
• Arrive two hours before your flight to ensure you’re waiting at the gate, and not in the TSA security line.
• Consider signing up for TSA Pre-Check. 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 ensures an expedited security screening process.
• Pre-book your parking and save on your spot! Convenient and easy pre-book parking option now available at CAE. (https://flycae.com/airport/parking).
• Follow CAE on social media as travel details and updates are often shared on these channels: Instagram (@flycae), Twitter (@iFlyCAE), Facebook (Columbia Metropolitan Airport CAE) and LinkedIn (Columbia Metropolitan Airport).
• Expect things to look differently if you haven’t flown in some time, but know that we’re here to help you Fly with Ease!

“CAE’s main priority has always been the its passengers,” said Jamieson. “We look forward to helping make the community’s air travel as easy as possible.”

COLUMBIA, S.C. (April 21, 2021) – Beginning Saturday, June 5, 2021, American Airlines will resume nonstop service to Miami, Fla. (MIA) from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). Service will operate one time a week, with the possibility of a schedule expansion later this summer. The nonstop service will depart from CAE at 6:50 a.m. and arrive into MIA at 8:37 a.m.

The route returns served by a new aircraft, ERJ-175 – which includes 12 first class seats and 70 cabin seats. Previously, this same route was served by an ERJ-145 – which had no first class seats and 50 cabin seats.

“We are one route away from our pre-pandemic schedule and we couldn’t be happier,” said Air Service Development Director for CAE, Kim Jamieson. “We’ve seen higher than projected passenger numbers over the last few months, with more leisure travel taking place, and welcome the business. We look forward to the business community also returning to air travel, hopefully in the coming months.”

Currently, CAE offers nonstop service to 11 destinations and 11 airports:

• Miami, Fla. (American Airlines)
• Philadelphia, Pa. (American Airlines)
• Washington, D.C./Reagan National (American Airlines)
• Charlotte, N.C. (American Airlines)
• Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (American Airlines)
• Atlanta, Ga. (Delta Air Lines)
• Chicago, Ill. (United Airlines)
• Washington, D.C./Dulles (United Airlines)
• Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Silver Airways)
• Orlando, Fla. (Silver Airways)
• Tampa, Fla. (Silver Airways)

Nonstop service to New York City, N.Y. (LGA) still remains offline at this time due to COVID-19. “As we regain air service, we encourage the local community and the business community to return to air travel as soon as they feel comfortable,” said Executive Director of CAE, Mike Gula. “We are hopeful that as more and more individuals get vaccinated, air travel will continue to strengthen as a result.”

Beginning tomorrow (March 5, 2021), American Airlines will resume
nonstop service to Philadelphia, Pa. (PHL) and Washington, D.C. /Reagan National (DCA) from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). Service will operate daily to PHL and four days a week to DCA.

“Slowly but surely we are seeing our airline partners bring routes back online after removing them due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the sudden halt in air travel,” said Air Service Development Director for CAE, Kim Jamieson. “These routes are crucial to our air service offerings for the local community and we’re excited to see them return to pre-pandemic status.”

In addition to these two routes coming back online, last month United Airlines resumed its daily, nonstop service to Chicago, Ill.

Currently, CAE offers nonstop service to 9 destinations and 10 airports:

• *Philadelphia, Pa. (American Airlines)
• *Washington, D.C./Reagan National (American Airlines)
• Atlanta, Ga. (Delta Air Lines)
• Charlotte, N.C. (American Airlines)
• Chicago, Ill. (United Airlines)
• Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (American Airlines)
• Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Silver Airways)
• Orlando, Fla. (Silver Airways)
• Tampa, Fla. (Silver Airways)
• Washington, D.C./Dulles (United Airlines)
  *Service resuming March 5, 2021.

Nonstop service to New York City, N.Y. (LGA) and Miami, Fla. (MIA) are still offline at this time.

“As we regain air service, we encourage the local community and the business community to return to air travel as soon as they feel comfortable,” said Executive Director of CAE, Mike Gula. “We are hopeful that as more and more individuals get vaccinated, air travel will strengthen as a result.”

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 destinations 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.

By Mike Gula, Executive Director of Columbia Metropolitan Airport

As we enter the last week of a too short holiday recognizing and celebrating Black trailblazers, leaders and change makers, I wanted to take a moment and shed light on a longstanding and intentional effort that makes me deeply proud to serve as the executive director of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE).

Opportunity is something that not every person, company or small business is always afforded. Many times, opportunities are learned about after the bidding process has closed and the submission deadlines have passed.

Within the aviation industry, there is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandate that asks airports nationwide to employ at least 10% certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) every year. CAE set a goal of 11.20% (on FAA projects) to employ DBE annually – minority, small and women-owned businesses. CAE has been the leader among airports in South Carolina in employing DBEs for various operational functions, both inside and across the airport campus.

As a founding member of the SC Airports Coalition – a group of airports including CAE, CHS, GSP and MYR – CAE works to provide opportunities for minority, small, local and DBE/ACDBE (Airport Concessions) business owners at different airports with outreach opportunities and events, called DBE Fly-Ins. At the largest SC Airports Coalition DBE Fly-Ins, held in 2018/2019, over $2 billion dollars of opportunities were presented to business owners.

Since 2011, CAE has hired DBEs in nearly every department:

• In the marketing department, we’ve hired Exousia Marketing Group, and Aviatrix for various event support, while continuing to use Flock & Rally for media buying,
• Our operations department recently hired, Midlands Pavement Marking for a runway painting project,
• Throughout the numerous projects that the facilities, maintenance and planning department work on, they have hired Premier and IPW as building contract support, Sims Fuel, 1×1 Design, L.A. Barrier & Son, Inc. and Ohmega Group Consulting, Inc., to name a few. For the 2016 – 2018 renovation of the terminal, IPW was the general contractor, the first time a federally funded project at CAE was primed by a DBE.
• And public safety has worked with Inspectors Fire and Safety Equipment for required extinguisher inspections and safety checks.

In 2019, 16% of CAE’s available spending was with DBEs; and another 40% of available spending was with minority and women-owned businesses. CAE’s DBE program, which was documented as a case study for success, was featured in the national publication, “American DBE Magazine” in the spring of 2020.

Opening opportunities to as many as possible is something we have found to be mutually beneficial. Diverse perspectives are heard, inclusive collaboration happen and meaningful lessons are learned.

Throughout this month on our social media channels, we have elevated, highlighted and identified numerous stories of Black pioneers within aviation. On a similar accord, I always want to ensure I highlight the work of our Black, Indigenous, People of Color team members here at CAE.

In recent years CAE has made aggressive efforts in its diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices. To date, of our 62 employees, 37% of the workforce are minorities or BIPOC, with 31% being female. Of our female staff, nine serve in leadership roles or hold executive staff positions.

These efforts haven’t gone unnoticed as Airports Council International-North America named CAE the Excellence in Workplace Diversity award winner, as well as the Inclusion Champion for Small Hub Airports.

Small, intentional changes over time turn into every day ways of working. This commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, in regards to CAE’s employment opportunities and staff, is one of many commitments that will always continue to evolve, but one that will always remain.

For more information about the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, please visit www.flycae.com. To add your DBE to the CAE prospect list, please https://flycae.com/business/disadvantaged-business-enterprise-program-dbe/.

Mike Gula has served as the Executive Director of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport for the last three years. His passion for aviation began at an early age and as a college student, he dreamed of becoming a pilot. He lives in Lexington with his wife and two small children.

The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter), has partnered with local nonprofit organization, Family Connection of South Carolina, to display LOOK! – a unique and thoughtful photography collection. 

“The intent of LOOK! is to showcase the beauty and unique abilities of the person being photographed, and to help those viewing the photos pause, reflect, and see disability in a different way,” said Amy Holbert, CEO of Family Connection.  “It is a beautiful collection that speaks to Family Connection’s goal of creating inclusion.”

Each photograph highlights the strength and beauty of a child or young adult in South Carolina who is living with a disability. The photos were taken by area photographers who volunteered their time and talents to capture the participants in candid moments doing the things they like to do best – living rich, full lives.

“This collection is one that provides a needed glimpse into the hearts and lives of some of our most cherished members of this community,” said Kim Jamieson, Director of Marketing and Air Service Development. “We’re thrilled to be able to partner with Family Connection of SC to bring such a powerful exhibit to the travelers.”

The LOOK! exhibit will be on display near the food court at CAE through the summer.

About Family Connection: Family Connection of South Carolina offers parents peer-to-peer support, helps families navigate the complex healthcare system, and provides guidance and support to help parents plan for, and attend school meetings to ensure their child’s supports and services are carried out effectively throughout their education. There is no cost to families for services. Help families connect with the support and resources they need to help their children thrive. Visit www.familyconnectionsc.org or call 1-800-578-8750.

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.

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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