Small airline sees niche at PDK | www.myajc.com

A small start-up airline plans scheduled flights to a handful of Southern cities from DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, the latest attempt to tap a travel market dominated by major carriers at Hartsfield-Jackson International.

Southern Airways Express, which started flying in June from its home base in Memphis, said it will offer four daily flights from DeKalb-Peachtree, or PDK, to six cities beginning Sept. 9.

The airline will use single-engine Cessna Caravan turboprops seating up to nine passengers.

Chief Executive Officer Stan Little said the carrier, which has targeted beach and other leisure travelers since it was formed, hopes to attract business travelers in Atlanta. He said his carrier will get them to their destinations faster, without parking or baggage fees, without Transportation Security Administration hassles, and more cheaply.

Most of the Southern Airways’ fares from PDK will be $89 to $249 each way, and no flight will be more than 90 minutes, Little said.

“In the normal time required to get from Buckhead or downtown to Hartsfield-Jackson and then to the departure gate, our passengers through PDK will already be at their destination,” Little said.

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