University Airport Gets Jet Service

One Indiana airport will see service from a major U.S. airline for the first time in decades. Purdue University Airport in Lafayette, Indiana, is set for a major upgrade from the Cessna Caravans currently serving it.

​Purdue University – which owns the airport – has inked a two-year agreement with SkyWest Airlines to introduce daily United Express flights between Purdue University Airport and Chicago O’Hare, starting on Aug. 5. The service will utilize 50-seat CRJ-200 aircraft.

This development coincides with the opening of the new 9,400-square-foot Amelia Earhart Terminal at Purdue Airport on the same day. The terminal is designed to accommodate increased passenger traffic and support the expanded flight offering.

Cody Thomas, managing director of market development for SkyWest, stated that the new route will provide travelers with improved access to United’s global network. Jessica Robertson, Purdue’s associate vice president for auxiliary services, highlighted that the agreement addresses current operational needs and sets the stage for future growth in flight options and destinations.

In May, the airport regained regular passenger flights on Southern Airways Express after a two-decade hiatus. The carrier currently operates several daily flights between Lafayette and O’Hare with Cessna Caravans.

Southern Airways Express’ new Purdue University livery (Photo: Purdue University)

Purdue University Airport has seen a mixed bag of airlines over the years, including regional turboprop flights from American, Delta, and United. Lake Central Airlines was the first carrier to serve the airport in the 1950s.

Most of the airport’s service was operated by turboprop aircraft. However, Allegheny Airlines flew BAC One-Eleven jets to Lafayette until the mid-1970s.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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