Jackson, TENNESSEE – It was a homecoming of sorts for Stan Little, who serves as the Chairman and CEO of Southern Airways Express.
Little, a Humboldt native, who founded Southern Airways Express, saw his airline begin flying out of McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport, Wednesday.
“A successful airport is the hallmark of a successful city,” Little said, “If you are going to have a city that is growing and vibrant and adding new things and bringing in new people – you’ve got to have a vibrant airport, and that’s what Southern’s goal is – here in Jackson.”
Little, who disliked flying on commercial airlines, has seen Southern Airways Express increase from two airplanes and three pilots to 47 cities after its beginning June 6, 2013.
Little said a list was compiled that consisted of ideas of what could be done to make people want to fly again – to make the process of getting there just as important and enjoyable as being there.
“Nine years later, we have seen the success of those commitments – on-time performance, reliability doing what you say you are going to do,” Little said, “Doing it on an affordable fare, greeting people with a smile when they are having a bad day when they walk up to the counter… all those things matter.
“We’re looking forward to providing Jackson, Tennessee, my hometown, with three flights a day to the world’s busiest airport (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport).”
The U.S. Department of Transportation selected Southern Airways Express LLC (Southern Airways) to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) at Jackson, Tennessee for a two-year period from June 1, 2022, to May 31, 2024.
Southern Airways will provide three daily departures to Atlanta from McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport, with fares ranging from $69 to $99 each way, as well as offering weekend seasonal flights to Destin, Florida.
Additionally, Southern Airways interline ticketing and baggage agreements with American, United, and Alaska Airlines afford passengers the opportunity to book flights between Jackson and their final destination in one single transaction via iFlySouthern.com.
Southern Airways Express has 35 aircrafts with over 220 daily departures across the country and their on-time performance is No. 1 in the nation at 94.1%, and their controllable completion rate was over 99%.
(PHOTO: Ribbon cutting for Southern Airways Express at McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport)
WATCH: “Mid-Day Smack” host Mike Doles interviews Stan Little, of Southern Airways Express.
