b'66 LAF AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT from the entire community has been wonderful. I think that is why it will be successful, as everyone has skin in the game.History LessonCestari agrees that working with LAF has been a positiveIn 1930, Purdue University Airport (LAF) became the first university-experience. Our focus is primarily business, and that peopleowned airport in the United States and was initially used as an are using the service, he says. We are true partners, andaeronautical education and research facility. Famous aviator Amelia this is a service that is critical to the community.Earhart was a visiting professor in the airports early days, and the For Haan, the project is another example of whatLockheed 10-E Electra she flew when attempting to circumnavigate Crawford, Murphy & Tilly does for its clients. We strive tothe globe in 1937 was funded by Purdue University.really understand the needs of the communities with whichThese days, LAF is the second-busiest airport in Indiana, with we work, he explains. We build strong relationships withabout 100 based aircraft. In 2023, the airfield logged more than our partners in order to work together as a cohesive team,122,700 operations. accomplishing our shared goals.Tenants include an avionics shop and an independent fixed He continues, Increasing commercial air service at smallbased operator. Two key university facilities are also based at the airports is difficult because there are so few airlines, aircraftairport: the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology and are getting larger and there are many airports out therethe School of Aeronautics and Astronautics. competing for the same service. We feel like our approachThe area surrounding LAF has attracted several heavy hitters: provides clients with a competitive advantage that givesSaab has an advanced manufacturing and production facility, them the best chance of success in such a challengingand Rolls-Royce has a large research and development center. environment. Other notable neighbors include Purdue Zucrow Laboratories, the Looking ahead, Baxmeyer knows that the hard work is notPurdue Hypersonic and Applied Research Facility, and Discover done and says, The airlines are in business to make money.Park District, a 400-acre launch pad where businesses of all sizes Attracting new air service is super-competitive. For us, thebenefit from the universitys global talent pipeline and advanced game really just started.research and development facilities. EXPERIENCED | TIME-TESTED SCHIBECIPP600 MICRO PLANERStripe & Marking Removal SystemNO GHOST LINES | NO TRACEHIGH PRODUCTION RATES | LOW OPERATING COSTFULLY INTEGRATED HANGAR & DOOR SYSTEMSHANGAR&DOOREXPERTS 1957 2023START TO FINISH EXPERTISESingle-source for Design, Manufacturing, & On-Site ServicesSold by:Mecom Equipment LLC | 209.466.5135 | mecomsales@aol.com 800.274.0144|FULFAB.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.SCHIBECI.COMSeptember 2024AirportImprovement.com'