(Columbia, SC) – Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) has been awarded a service contract for ground handling operations for Spirit Airlines. Service on the carrier will start at CAE next Thursday, June 5, flying to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Orlando International Airport (MCO), and Friday, June 6 to Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL). CAE’s Aviation Services Department will oversee all above and below wing operations and logistics – including ground handling, passenger check-in, boarding and customer service.
“By supporting our airline partners with their ground handling needs shows the breath of aviation resources our airport is able to handle and manage,” says Ryan Kreulen, Vice President of Operations. “With the many ground handling operations we’ve completed on various charter flights, I’m excited to see our team take on this welcomed challenge.”
To further support the needs of this operation, Mardelee Parchment was named CAE’s Aviation Services Manager and will serve as the Station Manager for Spirit – supervising all personnel and operations of the weekly, multi-route service Spirit will operate out of CAE.
“Having 19 years of experience in the aviation industry working above and below wing and with six years of experience managing and leading large teams, I feel very prepared, confident and excited to step into this role for the airport,” said Parchment.
Spirit Airlines will be starting service to EWR and FLL on June 5, with service to MCO starting on June 6, 2025. For more information about booking flights please visit www.Spirit.com.
