Purdue University Airport (LAF) enters a new era on May 15th as it
launches the first commercial air service since 2004, offering 4
weekly round-trip flights from West Lafayette to Chicago O'Hare
(ORD). In addition, construction will soon begin on the new, $11.8
million, approximately 9,400-square-foot Amelia Earhart Terminal.
But LAF’s proximity to Purdue University means it’s uniquely
situated to address critical needs throughout the aviation
industry. Beyond commercial air service, the airport is also a
living lab, full of opportunities for Indiana’s second-busiest
airport to supercharge the spheres of aviation, logistics and
connectivity. The breadth of LAF’s capabilities is a testament to
the power of collaboration between academia, industry and
government in achieving a common goal.
Commercial air service returns to Indiana’s
second-busiest airport
Purdue and Surf Air Mobility Inc. (NYSE: SRFM) agreed last
December to begin scheduled commuter air service between LAF and
ORD. Plans for a new terminal to open in August 2025 to better
serve the community coincide with the return of commercial air
service.
Named for Amelia Earhart, who served as a counselor on careers
for women at Purdue University and enjoyed access to the only
airport at a U.S. university at the time, the terminal will include
ticketing, passenger screening, baggage claims and a waiting area
to comply with Transportation Security Administration and Federal
Aviation Administration requirements.
“Commercial air service is part of the ‘Purdue Flies’ initiative
which expands the Discovery Park District at Purdue, serves the
Greater Lafayette community, and further accelerates economic
growth in the area,” says Adam Baxmeyer, director of airport
operations at Purdue University Airport. “The initiative honors
Purdue University’s aviation heritage by furthering the education,
research, and innovation needed for the future of modern air
mobility.”
The lab to life model: where innovation and research
take off
Whether working with Southern Airways Express to re-establish
scheduled regional air service or major industry partners like
Ericsson and Saab to build a 5G network research site, connecting
with world-changing startups like Aerovy and Pierce Aerospace, or
developing an advanced air mobility (AAM) accelerator, LAF is
harnessing the power of innovation to create a robust ecosystem for
aviation innovation — and enjoying tremendous growth because of
it.
“LAF offers a unique opportunity to advance aviation and
mobility innovation and education,” says Troy Hege, vice president
of innovation and technology for Purdue Research Foundation, which
manages the Lab to Life platform at LAF. “The airport showcases an
exceptional asset that is unlike anything else that exists today.
Our aim is to leverage it alongside students, faculty, and industry
to be a key driver of aviation and mobility innovation and
education.”
LAF is looking to solve some of the greatest challenges in the
aviation industry for airports of all sizes and has embraced this
unique selling point to serve as a neutral, in-the-wild space for
the exploration and development of groundbreaking technology, i.e.
— “the space between” — helping to bridge the gap between
innovation and full-scale commercial application.
The airport is actively collaborating with industry partners and
startups to tackle the aviation industry's greatest challenges and
drive progress.
Solving for the future of freight and
logistics
One industry hurtling towards the future at breakneck speed is
freight and logistics. Smart Crossroads is Indiana’s answer to the
problem, a pivotal ecosystem strategically connecting Purdue’s
extensive resources — such as the Lab to Life platform and academic
research within the airport — with leading industry partners. The
collaborative process means the logistics industry titan Wabash
joins Purdue University and other transportation fleets, 3PLs
(third-party logistics), retail shippers, suppliers and pioneers in
telematics, autonomous vehicles and more to ponder these
far-reaching challenges.
The group is in the preliminary stages of bringing a large,
complex ecosystem into information-gathering workshops. LAF hopes
to serve as a critical testing ground for the aviation side of
freight and logistics by supporting key industry partners. For
example, Saab has installed two of its proprietary logistics
platforms: Aerobahn™, an operations platform for coordinating
ground operations; SAFE, an integrated incident management and
emergency response support tool; and air traffic surveillance in
the form of ADS-B sensors and PTZ cameras.
With short flights to major business hubs, access to world-class
research and tech, and major aviation industry buy-in, LAF stands
to be an asset and proving ground for future Smart Crossroad
efforts. The airport’s support of the aviation industry in all ways
also serves a larger community purpose.
Beyond infrastructure: the outsized benefits of local
airports
By linking people and businesses to a broader market, LAF aims
to enhance the community and stimulate economic development. A U.S.
Department of Commerce study found that every $1 spent at local
airports adds another $2.53 to the local economy, a phenomenon
known as the multiplier effect. This multiplier effect leads to
increased investments in local quality of life and further boosts
the economy.
“As home to one of the top aviation technology and aerospace
engineering programs in the country, we look forward to exploring
innovation, educational and career opportunities for our students.
‘Purdue Flies’ delivers on our strategy to serve the state and
country, further accelerating job creation and prosperity in
Greater Lafayette. And the opportunity to honor Amelia Earhart
makes it even more special,” said Purdue President Mung
Chiang.
LAF's strategic location adjacent to the district, a 400-acre
launch pad and incubator for business and technology, further
amplifies the benefits of growth and innovation. Companies such as
Saab, Rolls-Royce and Caterpillar have already established a
presence in the district, positioning themselves to take advantage
of increased connectivity and the opportunities it
brings.
Setting the stage for aviation
advancement
As LAF takes flight with the launch of commercial air service
and the construction of the Amelia Earhart Terminal, it solidifies
its position as a hub for aviation innovation, education and
economic growth.
LAF’s affiliation with Purdue University means it’s uniquely
situated to solve critical problems throughout the aviation
industry and its dedication to fostering collaboration and
embracing groundbreaking technology sets it apart, making it a key
driver of progress in the aviation industry.
About Purdue Research Foundation Purdue
Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created to
advance the mission of Purdue University. Established in 1930, the
foundation accepts gifts; administers trusts; funds scholarships
and grants; acquires and sells property; protects and licenses
Purdue's intellectual property; and supports creating
Purdue-connected startups on behalf of Purdue. The foundation
operates Purdue Innovates which includes the Office of Technology
Commercialization, Incubator and Ventures. The foundation manages
the Purdue Research Park, Discovery Park District, Purdue
Technology Centers and Purdue for Life Foundation.
For more information on licensing a Purdue innovation, contact
the Office of Technology Commercialization at otcip@prf.org. For
more information about involvement and investment opportunities in
startups based on a Purdue innovation, contact Purdue Innovates at
purdueinnovates@prf.org.
Media Contact: Polly Barks, phbarks@prf.org
- Global Impact: Purdue University Airport a gateway to aviation
innovation
- Global Impact: Purdue University Airport a gateway to aviation
innovation
Polly Barks
Purdue Research Foundation
phbarks@prf.org