Purdue Airlines
Purdue Aeronautics Corporation was established in 1942 as an affiliate to Purdue University's Aviation Technology program, specifically its professional pilot program. Purdue Aeronautics operated from Purdue University Airport initially with DC-3 and later DC-6 aircraft. In 1968, Purdue Airlines was incorporated as a for-profit "supplemental" carrier - the term the US government uses to denote charter operations. The airline's certification authorized it to offer charter services in the United States and Canada. In 1969, the airline took delivery of its first DC-9 aircraft, the first of three it ultimately flew.[1]
Maintaining Hugh Hefner's Private Jet[edit]
The airline was famous for operating and maintaining Playboy founder Hugh Hefner's private aircraft, also a DC-9, named "The Big Bunny" - painted black with the Playboy bunny logo on the tail, which was based at Purdue University Airport and available (though apparently rarely used) for charter use by the airline.[2][3]
Connection with Southwest Airlines[edit]
In early 1971, Purdue made the decision to shutter the airline. The timing was fortuitous for Southwest Airlines, which was working towards its first flight. Southwest hired the entire of the Purdue Airlines pilot corps, over 20 people, speeding its launch.[4][5]
References[edit]
- ^ Purdue Airlines: Historical Information
- ^ Did You Know?: The Purdue Airport, Purdue Today, September 20, 2013
- ^ The Big Bunny Jet: Past and Present
- ^ Dockrey, Christy E. (December 1996). Southwest Airlines: A Texas Airline in an Era of Deregulation (Master of Arts thesis). Texas Tech University. p. 68.
- ^ Muse, Lamar (2002). Southwest Passage. Eakin Press. pp. 80–81. ISBN 1571687394.
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