Columbus Airport Commission

What Columbus Airport Commission does

Columbus Airport Commission is a state-created government entity established by an Amendment to the Georgia State Constitution on April 9, 1968, and governed by a five-member Commission appointed by the Columbus City Council. It operates Columbus Airport (CSG), a 680-acre regional commercial service facility in Columbus, Georgia, and is the 4th largest airport in the state. The airport's core infrastructure comprises two runways (Runway 6-24 at 6,997 ft and Runway 13-31 at 3,997 ft), a 66,000-square-foot terminal complex with 3 gates, 140 general aviation hangars housing 155+ based aircraft, 1,214+ public parking spaces, a 550+ space rental car center serving six agencies (Alamo, Enterprise, National, Avis, Budget, Hertz), and the wholly-owned Flightways Columbus FBO. The Commission is responsible for airfield operations, terminal management, public safety and ARFF services, tenant and concessionaire oversight, and capital project delivery.

The Commission serves multiple customer segments: commercial airline passengers (Delta Air Lines since 1968 and American Airlines since August 2021, supporting 100,000+ enplanements annually with a projection of 150,000-175,000), military personnel and families traveling to Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), general aviation operators, event organizers using the terminal's second-floor event space, film/photography production clients, advertisers (served by Departure Media), and government contractors responding to capital project bids. Revenue is generated through a mix of non-aeronautical sources (parking fees, rental car commissions, concessions, event space rentals, film location fees, advertising revenue via the DMI concession), aeronautical sources (hangar leases, tie-down rentals, FBO fuel sales, tenant facility leases), Passenger Facility Charges, and federal/state grants (notably FAA, GDOT, and DOT awards totaling more than $36M since 2019 for the terminal renovation and Runway 6-24 Reconstruction).

The Commission is operationally and financially self-sustaining per its mission statement, with a small direct staff of 50+ Commission employees supported by a broader airport ecosystem of 600+ workers including airline, security, federal, and tenant personnel. Recent capital milestones include the 2020-2021 $20.8M terminal renovation (2022 GAA Project of the Year), the June 2022 award of the advertising concession to DMI, the May 2024 adoption of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, and the November 2025 completion of the $22.23M Runway 6-24 Reconstruction. The Commission is led by Airport Director Amber Clark, A.A.E. (since November 2018) and generates $94.5M in regional economic output supporting 711 jobs (2024 study), up from $70.1M and 622 jobs in prior assessments.

Name

Columbus Airport Commission

Legal name

Columbus Airport Commission

Website

https://flycolumbusga.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Columbus Airport Commission is a state-created government entity that operates Columbus Airport (CSG), a regional commercial service facility in Columbus, Georgia, serving commercial airline passengers (Delta, American), military personnel at Fort Moore, and general aviation users through two runways, a 3-gate terminal, 140 hangars, and the Flightways Columbus FBO.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbus

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Parking Fees: Short term parking: $2 for 0-30 min, $3 for 31-60 min, $2 each additional hour, $10 daily max. Long term parking: $3 for 0-60 min, $2 each additional hour, $9 daily max. Over 1,214 public parking spaces including 69 short term and 308 long term.
2. Rental Car Commissions & Concessions: On-site rental car agencies (Alamo, Enterprise, National, Avis, Budget, Hertz) operating from the rental car center with 550+ parking spaces. ACDBE car rental goal of 1.00% (FY 2022-2025). Concession revenue from Propeller's SkyBar and Just Baked vending.
3. Airport Advertising Concession: Advertising concession operated by Departure Media, Inc. (DMI), the largest prime ACDBE advertising concessionaire in the country, awarded in June 2022 to provide static and digital advertising opportunities in the terminal.
4. Hangar Leases & Tie Downs: 140 general aviation hangars leased on long-term basis, plus tie-down spaces. Payments accepted via Visa, MasterCard, or auto-pay. Currently home to over 155 airport-based aircraft.
5. Event Space Rentals: Event space on the second floor of the terminal with 38-foot ceilings, accommodating 10-250 guests for engagement parties, corporate training, and special meetings. Rates detailed in the Event Space Rates & Policies document.
6. Film & Photography Location Fees: Commercial photography, video, motion picture, and television filming fees with associated insurance, hold harmless agreements, and security requirements. Documented in the Filming Production Rates schedule.
7. FBO Services (Flightways Columbus): General aviation Avgas and Jet A fuel services plus facilities for based and transient aircraft provided by Flightways Columbus, the airport's FBO. Celebrated 15-year anniversary in August 2024.
8. FBO Services & Tenant Leases: Passenger Facility Charges (PFC) and tenant facility leases as a publicly-owned regional airport authority. FAA, GDOT grants fund capital improvements; the airport operates as a financially self-sustaining entity.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels10 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Columbus Airport Commission owns and operates Columbus Airport (CSG), a regional commercial service airport providing scheduled airline service (Delta Air Lines and American Airlines), general aviation infrastructure, fixed base operator (FBO) services, public parking, terminal concessions, event space, advertising inventory, hangar leasing, and tie-down services for the Columbus, Georgia and Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) region. The airport accommodates over 100,000 passengers annually on two runways (6/24 at 6,997 ft and 13/31 at 3,997 ft) with a 66,000 sq ft three-gate terminal complex.

Product overview

Columbus Airport Commission operates a single physical asset — Columbus Airport (CSG) — as a unified facility, layered with a portfolio of sub-services and revenue programs. The core product is the airport itself, supporting scheduled commercial service (Delta Air Lines, American Airlines) and general aviation. Built around the core facility are several operational sub-brands and services: Flightways Columbus (the on-site FBO offering hangar leasing and general aviation support), Airport Parking Services (including the 2017 attendant-free lot), Conference & Meeting Room Rentals, Car Rental Services, and Rideshare access (Uber/Lyft). Commercial revenue is further augmented by the Advertising / Concessionaire Program (delivered with partners QFactor and Departure Media) and a ProDIGIQ-powered Work Order / Maintenance Request form embedded on the Commission's website to support facility operations. Passenger-facing services include the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program (launched May 2024) and a website Cost Calculator. Major capital investments in this portfolio include the 2021 Terminal Renovation ($20.8M) and the Runway 6-24 Reconstruction completed in November 2025.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Flightways Columbus: On-site Fixed Base Operator (FBO) at Columbus Airport, wholly owned and operated by the Columbus Airport Commission; provides general aviation Avgas and Jet A fuel services, hangar leasing, line service, and customer service for based and transient aircraft. Celebrated 15th anniversary in August 2024.
• Propeller's SkyBar

Products and services

• Columbus Airport (CSG) - Commercial Passenger Air Service
• Flightways Columbus FBO Services
• Hangar Leasing and Tie-Down Services
• Airport Public Parking
• Event Space Rental
• Terminal Advertising Concession
• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
• Film and Photography Location Permits
• On-Airport Car Rental Services
• American Airlines Commercial Service

Quantifiable outcome

• More than $70.1 million in direct economic impact to the Columbus metro area economy
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, minor and core.

• Summers Concrete Contracting, Inc.flagshipImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 October 2024Lowest bidder for the Runway 6-24 Reconstruction Project, awarded the contract at the October 1, 2024 Commission Meeting with a total project cost of $22,229,455.16. Funded through FAA and GDOT grants. Construction began August 5, 2025 and was completed ahead of schedule on November 26, 2025.
• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 May 2024Columbus Airport joined a global network of over 200 airports in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program in May 2024. Provides free Sunflower lanyards and badging to passengers with hidden or visible disabilities, fostering a culture of understanding and accommodation.
• Departure Media, Inc. (DMI)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 7 June 2022100% woman-owned ACDBE advertising concessionaire awarded Columbus Airport's terminal advertising program in June 2022. Provides static and digital advertising opportunities to companies seeking exposure to airport travelers. Founded in 1996, headquartered in Charleston, SC, serving airports in 10+ cities.
• American AirlinesflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 August 2021American Airlines inaugurated service at Columbus Airport on August 17, 2021, with nonstop routes from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW). The new service was expected to grow Columbus passenger traffic to 150,000-175,000.
• Holt Consulting CompanycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 October 2019Multi-discipline engineering firm with offices in Georgia and South Carolina selected in October 2019 as the new Aviation Engineering Consultant for Columbus Airport. Provides planning, design, and management services for transportation infrastructure and led the Runway 6-24 Town Hall. Subcontracts DBE firms (Aulick Engineering, Environmental Resource Solutions, Taffy Pippen Consulting, RE Appraisal Group, Key Engineering Group) and local firms.
• Delta Air LinesflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 1968Delta initiated jet air service to Columbus in 1968 and remains a committed commercial partner. Delta is the primary commercial carrier at CSG and worked closely with the airport throughout the Runway 6-24 Reconstruction Project. Delta removed booking for the Aug 5 - Nov 27, 2025 reconstruction period and committed to resume service promptly.
• Flightways ColumbusflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerOn-airport Fixed Base Operator (FBO) operated by the Columbus Airport Commission. Provides general aviation Avgas and Jet A fuel services and facilities for based and transient aircraft. Celebrated 15-year anniversary in August 2024. Operates from 3250 W. Britt David Road.
• Columbus Police, Fire, EMS, Muscogee County Sheriff's OfficecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMutual aid partners participating in the Triennial Emergency Plan Crash Exercise (May 10, 2024) and ongoing emergency preparedness. Includes Fort Benning, Cusseta-Chattahoochee County Fire Department, Piedmont, Columbus State University, and WITSEC.
• Chattahoochee River ConservancyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerColumbus Airport partnered with the Chattahoochee River Conservancy in November 2021 to clean up litter in Lindsey Creek over two days, with volunteers welcome. The conservancy is a nonprofit with the mission to protect the Chattahoochee River through science, education, and advocacy.
• Barber Blake (The Spotlight)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerColumbus Airport partnered with Barber Blake in August 2023 to provide free haircuts and 150+ book bags filled with school supplies to families in need in the Tri-City area, as a back-to-school community giveback event.
• American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAAAE awarded Airport Director Amber L. Clark, A.A.E. the Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) designation in November 2025 - the highest professional standard in the airport industry. Fewer than 6% of AAAE members are active accredited airport executives. Airport also partners with AAAE for professional development and certification.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Atlantic Aviation: Large national FBO chain (PE-owned by KKR) providing Avgas/Jet A fueling and hangar services at regional airports. Comparable to Flightways Columbus in core FBO service line, but operates as a third-party concessionaire rather than a captive airport FBO.
• Huntsville International Airport (HSV): Larger Alabama regional commercial airport that combines passenger service with air cargo and aerospace industry. Comparable in its multi-carrier service and growing metro area profile, though significantly larger in scale.
• Signature Flight Support: World's largest FBO network (PE-owned by Carlyle/Blackstone historically), directly comparable to Flightways Columbus as an FBO service provider for general aviation at regional airports, including the line-service technician career path of CSG FBO Manager Darryl Graham.
• Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV): Larger Georgia coastal commercial airport also owned/operated by a Savannah Airport Commission. Same state, similar constitutional/public-authority structure, but significantly larger passenger volumes and broader route network.

Direct peers

• Valdosta Regional Airport (VLD): South Georgia regional commercial airport with Delta service and a military presence (Moody AFB proximity). Comparable scale, single/dual-carrier mix, and economic-development-driven business model.
• Southwest Georgia Regional Airport (ABY): Albany, GA regional commercial airport with Delta-only service and similar small-community profile. Operated by the Albany-Dougherty Aviation Commission, mirroring the public-commission governance model used by Columbus.
• Dothan Regional Airport (DHN): Small Alabama regional commercial airport near Fort Rucker (now Fort Novosel) — the U.S. Army aviation center. Closest comparable to CSG in military-anchored demand, single-carrier service, and small-airport scale.
• Augusta Regional Airport (AGS): Augusta's commercial service airport in Georgia, also a publicly-owned authority serving a similar-sized metro area and providing direct Delta/American service. Closest in-state comparable in scale, carrier mix, and regional airport authority governance model.

Regional players

• DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK): Atlanta metro general aviation reliever airport with strong corporate/business aviation activity. Comparable to CSG in general aviation infrastructure (hangar waiting list, FBO operations) but lacks scheduled commercial service.
• Middle Georgia Regional Airport (MCN): Macon-area regional commercial airport in central Georgia, comparable in size and role to CSG. Both serve secondary Georgia metros with limited airline service, military-linked demand, and similar FBO infrastructure.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/flycolumbusga
• Facebookfacebook.com/ColumbusAirportGA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/columbus-airport-commission
• Instagraminstagram.com/columbusairportcsg

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Columbus Airport Commission