DESTIN — Southern Airways Express has officially landed.
“This was our very first flight system-wide, and we came from Olive Branch, Miss.,” Keith Sisson, the airline’s chief operating officer, said shortly after hopping off the plane at Destin Airport last week. “We had three passengers onboard, not counting myself, and those passengers booked yesterday, so those are folks that really wanted to be here.”
Watch a video of the inaugural flight. >>
The start-up airline has been teasing its plans for serving Destin since April, when it began posting pictures of local landmarks on its Facebook page.
The Memphis-based airline will use turboprop nine-seat Cessna Caravans to carry passengers to destinations in the Southeast. It will offer flights between Destin and Memphis, Oxford, Miss., Birmingham and New Orleans. The airline also will serve Panama City and Gulf Shores, Ala.
Sisson has said Southern Airways Express plans to make flying “fun again.” The airline does not charge baggage fees and allows each passenger one carry-on bag and a checked bag up to 50 pounds. Passengers also are given iPads loaded with movies, television shows, concerts and music for in-flight entertainment.
“It’s unlike any air travel concept you’ve ever been around before from a passenger standpoint,” Sisson said. “You just buy a ticket, get on the plane and we’ll take you where you want to go.”
The airline will use the newly renovated Miracle Strip Aviation building as its terminal in Destin.
“This has been a long time coming for all of us,” Sisson said. “We’re very excited for this very first flight to be here to Destin.”
TO LEARN MORE: For more information about Southern Airways Express or to book a flight, visit www.iflysouthern.com.