Southern Airways Express

We are honored to provide commercial air service to Purdue University's Airport LAF and to partner with a true aviation legend. Want to know how Purdue has shaped aviation from the Heartland? In this podcast, leaders from Purdue University's Aviation and Transportation Technology department (Adam Baxmeyer, Ryan Wynkoop, and Tom Carney) share insights on Purdue's nearly 100 years of aviation excellence and what the future holds as they continue to teach global aviation leaders in their largest classroom on campus, Purdue University Airport (LAF). Take a listen!

Eleven years ago today, Southern Airways Express launched its first flight with traditional Southern Hospitality!

Wheels up at LAF! Welcome to the Southern family Purdue University /Lafayette Regional Airport. This is the first time since 2004 that Boilermakers have been able to board commercial flights at LAF. We are planning 24 weekly round-trip flights between LAF and ORD. Our Founder, Stan Little, joined the opening celebration on Tuesday with Southern and Purdue employees and university senior staff. Purdue Aviation, LLC Purdue Aviation Ambassadors

Happy World Pilots' Day! Although we recognize them on this historic day, we appreciate the dedication and commitment of our 284 pilots, who make essential and recreational air travel possible for our passengers from nearly 40 airports nationwide. April 26th was chosen as World Pilots' Day for a particular reason. On this day in 1912, a young Turkish pilot named Fesa Evrensev took off for his very first flight and would eventually achieve a successful aviation career as a decorated military pilot and the first president of Turkish Airlines. Although this day began as a Turkish day of honor for pilots, in 2014, the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations elevated the celebration to worldwide status!

On Saturday, April 13 Captain Sam Elarnaouty and First Officer Neville Scott flew into LAF for Purdue Aviation Day! They were joined by our agent Madyson Hunter, who helped folks board the plane and get a feel for the Southern Experience! The first Purdue Aviation Day was held in 1911 on a grass landing strip near the present-day Elliot Hall. Nearly 17,000 spectators from the region gathered to watch two biplanes take to the sky. This annual event is now organized exclusively by student leaders within Purdue University’s School of Aviation & Transportation Technology, Purdue Aviation Day (PAD) seeks to bring the industry and the Greater Lafayette community together in one big celebration of aviation.

From our Southern Airways Express family to yours, we wish you the best this holiday season!