Photo above – The Purdue University Fire Department provides a water cannon salute Friday (Aug. 8) as a plane taxis at a ceremony marking the opening of the new Amelia Earhart Terminal at the Purdue University Airport. (Purdue University photo/Kelsey Lefever)
History took flight August 8th with a special ceremony marking the opening of the new Amelia Earhart Terminal at the Purdue University Airport and the enhancement of commercial air services.
The terminal was named for Amelia Earhart to honor her historic connection to Purdue. Earhart was an advisor and counselor in careers for women at Purdue from 1935-37. She focused on vocational aptitudes, goals and careers for women. She also flew out of Purdue University Airport in the 1930s when it became the nation’s first university-owned airport.
The terminal opening event brought together university leaders, project partners and community members to celebrate the completion of the new terminal and launch of United Express flights operated by SkyWest, which started Tuesday (Aug. 5). The new terminal expands access to convenient air travel while enhancing Purdue’s presence as a regional hub for innovation and connectivity.
A project with this kind of impact is successful largely due to the university’s partnerships with various stakeholders, including Lilly Endowment Inc., READI and surrounding communities.
“Thanks to the partnerships with leaders of our state and local community, Purdue University Airport now has a new commercial passenger service terminal honoring the Boilermaker legacy of Amelia Earhart who once taught aviation right here,” said Purdue President Mung Chiang. “The new aircraft and service are yet another reflection of the tremendous economic growth in Greater Lafayette today and will further accelerate the creation of jobs, talent and innovation along America’s Hard Tech Corridor.”
The 10,000-square-foot facility is designed and built to meet Transportation Security Administration and Federal Aviation Administration requirements. It also meets the needs of the larger, 50-passenger commercial flights between Purdue University Airport and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
“United and SkyWest are excited to partner with Purdue University to launch this new jet service,” said Kevin Peters, director of United’s network and fleet strategy. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to making the service a success, and we thank Purdue for its vision and support that made it a reality. With just one flight to Chicago, passengers can easily connect to destinations around the world on United’s global network.”
The terminal’s exterior features curbside drop-off space, new signage and landscaping. A hangar was demolished to make way for a new parking lot, and safety improvements have been made to other parking areas and the railroad pedestrian crossing.
Once passengers check in for their flight in the lobby, featuring Purdue-branded graphics, they progress through security, which includes new screening equipment from the TSA. After security, passengers will wait to board planes in an area with new furniture and a small marketplace.
“It was important for this terminal to have a special look and feel while also providing convenience and comfort,” said Jessica Robertson, Purdue’s associate vice president for Auxiliary Services. “Providing commercial air services again is a significant achievement for the university, and we want to share the Boilermaker pride with passengers traveling to and from our historic airport.”
