Columbia Regional Airport announces opening of Tailwinds Market

Columbia Regional Airport (COU) has opened a completely automated shopping area called the Tailwinds Market in the airport terminal.

This new offering provides travelers with upgraded food and beverage choices when flying out of COU. Some people might describe it as a giant, walk-in vending machine.

Using innovative technology by Amazon, this new offering allows customers to make purchases quickly by just swiping a credit or debit card, or utilizing a pay app on their cell phone, then selecting items and exiting the market. 

“We pride ourselves on an easy and convenient experience at COU,” said Columbia airport manager Michael Parks. “This new upgraded offering ensures our passengers not only save drive time when choosing to fly local but also have the amenities they desire when traveling.”

The market offers sandwiches, salads, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, ice cream, sunglasses, phone chargers, personal care items, fresh-made coffee and more. In addition to these offerings, a comfortable seating area is also available featuring TVs, free Wi-fi, and easy access to the gates for departing passengers.

A future phase of development will add kitchen space in the terminal for a hot grill, further expanding the dining options available.

The Tailwinds Market at COU is operated by Jackson Brothers, a refreshment services provider in the mid-Missouri area. Jackson Brothers currently operates vending at the airport and is furthering the partnership by upgrading the food and beverage services in the terminal.

“We are thrilled to be opening this new location at the airport,” said Billy Dearing, general manager of Jackson Brothers. “We are passionate about meeting the needs of our customers with unique offerings and elevating the experience for those flying COU.”

Tailwinds Market is located post-security in the terminal, with the grab-and-go market open 24/7. Visit FlyCOU.com to learn more about airport amenities and convenient flight options.

Main image courtesy of Columbia Regional Airport, via krcgtv.com.