Air Wisconsin to locate new flight crew base at CAE

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Air Wisconsin, a United regional carrier operating as United Express, will locate a new flight crew base at Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

The base will be operational on Oct. 1, according to a news release.

“This announcement is an incredible win for both the airport and for our region as we continue our efforts to showcase both,” CAE executive director Mike Gula said. “Our thanks to Air Wisconsin for making the decision to expand their operation at CAE and for making Columbia their first crew base location in the Southeast.”

The base will add around 150 positions, including pilots and flight attendants, said Bob Frisch Sr., Air Wisconsin vice president and COO.

Air Wisconsin chose Columbia because it fits well with the airline’s route structure, the release said. Air Wisconsin, under the United Express name, operates daily flights from Columbia to Chicago and Washington’s Dulles Airport.

“We thank the airport for their assistance in helping us establish the infrastructure to provide air service to Columbia and the surrounding communities,” Frisch said.

Air Wisconsin also operates an aircraft maintenance base at CAE where workers perform overnight maintenance for the airline’s CRJ 200 aircraft.