Charleston’s Airport Takes Flight into the Future
Charleston, South Carolina, marked the launch of a new tradition at the Charleston International Airport (CHS) with an exciting event dubbed the Inaugural State of the Airport Address. On Tuesday, CEO and Executive Director Elliott Summey addressed a captivated audience of nearly 400 people at the Charleston Marriott, sharing the airport’s future plans and celebrating its impressive achievements.
Setting the Stage for Progress
The address, titled “Flight Path to the Future,” was both inspiring and informative. Summey emphasized the importance of keeping the community in the loop about what’s in store for the airport, ensuring that both travelers and community leaders understand the changes on the horizon. “We certainly wanted to be as transparent and as communicative as possible,” he said, setting a welcoming tone for the gathering.
One of the key highlights was the airport’s economic impact, which stands at a whopping $8.5 billion annually. That’s a significant contribution that benefits both local businesses and the wider South Carolina economy. Summey proudly noted, “We are the largest commercial airport in all of South Carolina,” with more passengers flowing through CHS each day than through Myrtle Beach and Columbia combined. Talk about a bustling hub!
Expanding Capacity and Improving Facilities
As Charleston continues to grow, the demand for air travel has inevitably surged. Summey mentioned that, compared to three years ago, flying through CHS is actually cheaper now than it was in 2019, which is great news for frequent flyers. \“We’ve gone from 22 nonstop destinations to 69 in 4.5 years,\” he remarked, showcasing the airport’s commitment to expanding flight options for travelers.
In response to the rising passenger numbers, the airport is taking impressive steps to ramp up its capacity by adding 20-30% through various ongoing projects. Recently, construction kicked off on a new $348 million parking garage, known as PG3, which will add over 5,100 new parking spaces and accommodate all rental car services. That’s sure to ease some of the parking crunch!
Overcoming Challenges
Reflecting on the tough times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Summey shared his experience of stepping into his role during a period of crisis. “July 1, 2020, we had zero passengers, and we were losing $3 million a month because of COVID. It was my first day on the job,” he recalled. Fast forward to now, and CHS welcomed 6.1 million passengers last year, resulting in a profit of $54 million. What a turnaround!
Future Developments on the Horizon
Exciting new developments are on track, including a nearly one-mile-long curb expansion, a doubled ticket hall, and a brand new East Concourse that will boast eight gates. To help meet the immediate need, four temporary gates will be added in the meantime. Construction is set to start around mid-2025, promising to enhance the travel experience significantly.
Concluding his speech, Summey expressed gratitude towards the entire team at the airport. “This is the team that’s going to create the best quality of life, economic development story of any airport—not only in South Carolina, but in the southeast,” he remarked, alongside members of the Charleston County Aviation Authority Board.
Looking Ahead
Charleston International Airport is not just expanding; it’s also gearing up to celebrate an incredible milestone—its 100th anniversary in 2029. With these ambitious plans and community support, the future looks bright for both the airport and the city alike. As we take to the skies, it seems CHS is poised to soar into a new era!
