Austin Mayer, the director of airline and airport affairs for Southern Airways Express, was the special guest at the Lions Club on Wednesday, April 2.
Southern has two daily flights to Dallas and one to Memphis from the Boone County Regional Airport (HRO).
Mayer had visited Harrison once earlier, but it was only for two hours. This time, he stayed a couple of days, visited with Matt Bell at Explore Harrison, met with the Chamber Board of Directors, made a quick introduction at the Quorum Court, toured the Creekside facility, and spoke at Lions.
He mentioned the efficiency and dollars saved by taking advantage of the inner line agreement between Southern Airways Express and American Airlines. A passenger can arrive 30 minutes early in Harrison, park the car for free, walk right into the airport, fly to Dallas, and connect to anywhere in the world. It only takes one ticket, and bags follow the passenger.
Another benefit to using the inner line agreement is that American Airlines will automatically book you on the next flight if a flight is delayed arriving or departing from Dallas.
Mayer also wanted the community to know that if a civic club, church, or school wants to give away or raffle some Southern tickets as a fundraiser, just contact Judy McCutcheon at the airport or Donna Braymer at the City, and he will be happy to contribute those tickets.
He also bragged about Judy and how great of an airport manager she is. “Other airports are jealous of the $7 million the airport received for a new terminal. I just tell them, ‘You didn’t have Judy!’”
Southern Airways Express flies the Cessna Carivans, which have two pilots and nine seats. “You always have an aisle and a window. It gives the passengers a feeling of flying in the executive class. There is lots of room and plenty of cargo space.”
For more information about tickets or flights, visit IFlySouthern.com or call 800-329-0485.