Southern Airways Express connects small communities to LAX

Southern Airways Express operates the smallest commercial aircraft at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), using eight-seater Pilatus PC-12 planes. The airline connects LAX to Imperial County Airport twice daily and offers a unique travel experience with personalized service. The flights cover about 202 miles in 50 to 60 minutes, providing views of California's landscapes at lower altitudes. Ticket prices range from $99 to $150 one way, and the service is subsidized by the Essential Air Service program to maintain connectivity for smaller communities. Southern Airways Express, founded in 2013, has expanded its operations and now serves 23 destinations. The airline highlights the importance of regional carriers in connecting remote areas to larger markets, despite the trend toward larger aircraft in the industry.