• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

MidMO Business

The people, the cities, and the businesses in Mid Missouri

  • Home
  • Columbia
  • Jefferson City
  • Mid-Missouri
  • Business Shout-Out
  • About/Contact

Negotiations underway for food options at COU

by

COLUMBIA − Columbia Regional Airport’s new terminal has been open for almost a full year, and their number of arrival and departures have increased, according to its passenger load data. 

However, the airport is facing pilot shortages that affects the number of airlines it uses. COU is also working on adding food service to better accommodate travelers. 

The new terminal opened on Oct. 26, 2022. The airport saw a 1,552 total monthly passenger increase in September 2023 compared to the same time last year. 

The $23-million terminal is 52,000 square-feet, compared to the previous 16,000 square-feet terminal.

Airport Manager Mike Parks said he’s heard great feedback for both first-time and constant flyers.

“It’s the front door to the community, right. So it’s much more comfortable for people flying in and flying out,” Parks said.

Upcoming restaurant

The terminal still does not have a restaurant, but Parks said it’s in the works.

“We’re going through the procurement process now,” he said. “We went out to bid for a concessionaire to provide food service on the secure side of the terminal and also possibly the public side of the terminal.”

Parks said the process for the request for proposal (RFP) started around April of this year. Currently, the airport is in negotiations and is close to having a draft ready for City Council to consider. Parks expects to be able to take this to council members in November.

However, the lack of food in the airport has caused an issue for some travelers.

Aida Guhlincozzi didn’t check into her 6 a.m. flight to Chicago in time on Wednesday and couldn’t board her flight. Guhlincozzi was able to rebook to the temporary 11:45 a.m. flight to Chicago, but she said that she was still stranded.

Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.

Error! There was an error processing your request.

“I think the staff, the security and everyone is great. My only issue is that there is no food because I’ve been here since 6 a.m. and I will be here until 11:45 a.m.,” she said.

She said she won’t be able to eat until she either got to Chicago or had a snack on the plane.

“I’m not going to ask my husband to come 20 minutes, he’s at work. He’s not going to come drive 20 minutes from Jefferson City,” she said.

Pilot shortages affecting COU

A pilot shortage is affecting regional airports across the nation, including COU, Parks said. He said this has stunted the airport’s ability to add additional flights to and from the airport.

“There’s definitely a demand in mid-Missouri for an increased flight numbers out of Columbia,” Parks said. “American [Airlines] is well aware of that and that’s something that we continue [have] top of mind with them to understand the demand is here. As soon as the pilot shortage is not as impactful here, we’ll look at additional flights.”

Pilots have a mandatory retirement age of 65. According to the Regional Airline Association, existing pilots are rapidly aging out. Nearly 50% of today’s pilots must retire in 15 years. Over 13% must retire in 5 years.

This year American Airlines, COU’s only airline, will lose 828 pilots to retirement. 

Passenger Julie Sexten said additional flights would help her family.

“The flight to Charlotte would be amazing for me,” Sexten said. “I have a daughter who goes to school close to Charlotte, so to be able to fly directly to see her and for her to get home would be awesome.”

Sexten says she flies out of COU eight to 10 times a year but would travel more if additional flights were offered.

“I think I would travel a lot more if we had more flights out of here, for sure, for the convenience,” she said.

Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: Columbia

Primary Sidebar

More to See

four seasons in missouri

Seasonal Self-Storage Is Essential in Missouri

Storage Tips for Missouri Residents from Route K Storage Missouri’s ever-changing seasons bring diverse needs for residents who rely on self-storage. … [Read More...] about Seasonal Self-Storage Is Essential in Missouri

S and S Nationwide is your locally owned logistics partner

New Year | Better Logistics

U.S. Machinery Moving, Inc., also known as USMMI, is the fleet of trucks, trailers and drivers behind S and S NATIONWIDE, LLC. These trucks are the … [Read More...] about New Year | Better Logistics

sarah jane photography portrait gallery wall

Sarah Jane Photography Adds Unique Family Portrait Wall Service in Columbia, MO

Sarah Jane Photography introduces the Portrait Gallery Wall Design & Installation service in Columbia MO. Elevate your home or office space easily … [Read More...] about Sarah Jane Photography Adds Unique Family Portrait Wall Service in Columbia, MO

show-me dinosaurs rex and baby dinosaurs

Show-Me Dinosaurs Party Entertainment Service Roars into Columbia MO

"Show-Me Dinosaurs", a newly launched party entertainment service, is set to bring the magic of dinosaurs to life in Columbia, MO and other towns in … [Read More...] about Show-Me Dinosaurs Party Entertainment Service Roars into Columbia MO

Footer

Copyright © 2012 - 2024 | All Rights Reserved | About/ Contact

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy