b'62 LAF AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT airlines would fit the market, and what routes they could serve.tremendous support. TSA [screening] had to be added, and we Then, he created a business case about why airlines should flyhad tremendous support from TSA. to/from LAF. Haan included stories about the community, PurdueJacobs highlights the crucial role of administrators from PurdueUniversity and local businesses to demonstrate the supportspecifically, Rob Wynkoop, vice president of Auxiliary Services; structure/village that is in place to help airlines succeed at LAF.Jessica Robertson, chief operating officer of Auxiliary Services; and Mark Cestari, chief commercial officer ofthe Board of Trustees. Without Robs and Jessicas efforts to define Southern Airways Express and proud dad ofthe costs and benefits to Purdue, and Robs ability to obtain funding a Purdue grad, heard Haans presentationfrom various state and University sources, this project would never at the 2023 Routes Conference in Chicago.have gotten off the ground, Jacobs emphasizes. Rob went to the I thought LAF was a perfect match, saysBoard of Trustees multiple times to convince them of the necessity Cestari, comparing the conference to aof supporting this effort and was able to generate tremendous three-day speed-dating event for airlines andsupport from the Board and the University.airports. MARK CESTARISouthern Airways Express thought we had a great story atPre-Flight Checkour very first meeting, then shortly thereafter, they came to visitLong before passengers boarded the inaugural flight in May 2024, and see things for themselves, Haan recalls. They quicklyLAF, the local community and Southern Airways Express all had determined they could be successful at LAF; so we startedto be on board with what it takes to implement new air service. In working together to make that happen. short, it took time, money and effort. Baxmeyer credits elected officials and local businessJacobs explains the buy-in process: We needed to explain organizations with helping bring commercial service backto LAF and its community as to how regional and commuter to the airport. The Greater Lafayette Commerce, Indianaservice really works. We prepared a pro forma for what we could Economic Development Corporation, and the state and fed gavedo and [detailed] the costs through negotiations with Purdue Thank You for Trusting Us! Your Passion for Excellence Continues to Drive Our20 YEARSin Business!Key Services:On-Demand Training for Compliance with TSA and FAA Regulations. Tailored Consulting Servicesfor Airport and Aviation Business. Secure Platform for Reportingand Delivering Standard andCustomized Courses. Ssinstruction.com480.699.3743September 2024AirportImprovement.com'