After 30 years at the Columbia Regional Airport, Don Elliott is flying high as the new airport manager.  Elliott is working on plans for a new terminal and a $34 million renovation of runways.

Elliott said, “Right now, we have pretty well reached our maximum capacity for passenger service out of the airport.  If you check out the parking lot, it’s full.”

Flights to Memphis continue to be packed.  New flights to Atlanta from Columbia begin on June 7.  City leaders are also exploring opportunities with additional airlines in Dallas and Chicago.

Elliott said, “I talked to the airline manager recently.  He said about 80% of the travelers through the airport are business travelers.”

Elliott said safety is his number one concern.  He plans to put a total of 40 years of service at the airport and hopes he sees significant improvements under his leadership.

You can read Mark’s entire interview with Don Elliott in this month’s edition of Inside Columbia Magazine.