Over $20 Million in capital improvement projects underway at Columbia Metropolitan Airport
August 3, 2015
CAYCE, SC – Columbia Metropolitan Airport is in the midst of a multi-million dollar, multi-year capital improvement plan with several projects underway designed to make the airport more efficient, more environmentally friendly and better equipped to serve passengers.
Among the most immediate and noticeable projects are the rental car relocation and parking program upgrades. Rental car customers will now be able to easily access their vehicles from the lower level of the parking garage, while a car counting system inside of the garage will give local customers a snapshot look at how many spaces are available on the public parking levels. Local travelers will also now have the opportunity to sign up for the airport’s new Fast Lane parking program and take advantage of six dollar daily parking in the surface lot.
Inside the terminal, Columbia Metropolitan Airport is rolling out an anonymous text message service that allows passengers to notify airport staff when a restroom needs attention. Each restroom will have a mirror decal that provides a restroom code and a number to text. Although restroom alerts may seem like a minor upgrade, customer feedback is that passengers want to have an easy way to communicate their needs to airport staff.
Passengers have also indicated an interest in the new $5 million Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) station visible from the American and United Airlines’ gate area. The 19,000 square foot, energy efficient facility is scheduled for completion in September 2015 and will meet the FAA’s updated requirements and serve the needs of the airport’s recently implemented public safety department.
Other, less evident upgrades currently underway include mechanical improvements, taxiway reconstruction, and passenger boarding bridge upgrades.
Projects scheduled to begin in the fall of 2015 and continue into 2016 include an array of terminal improvements that will give the airport a fresh, modern feel while maintaining its current charm and beauty.
Passengers will see improved lighting and signage to make it easier to navigate through the facility and a customer service desk will be centered in the grand hall to provide a central location for passenger assistance. Additional upgrades will include streamlined counters in the gate area, new digital display and flight information screens and increased power sources for travelers’ devices.
As capital improvement projects progress over the next several months, customers may periodically notice signage and temporary walls. However, these projects are not anticipated to impede passengers’ ability to travel in and out of the airport.
