Baton Rouge, Louisiana - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced the recipients of three prestigious aviation awards during the 2025 Louisiana Airport Managers and Associates Annual Conference held in Lake Charles on October 7.
Chennault International Airport in Lake Charles received the Louisiana Airport of the Year award in the General Aviation category. The recognition highlights the airport's excellence in safety management, maintenance oversight, and significant contributions to Louisiana's aviation infrastructure.
Maurice "Moe" Songy of Acadiana Regional Airport and LeMaire Memorial Airport earned the David Slayter Memorial Louisiana Aviation Professional of the Year award. Scott Gammel from Alexandria International Airport received the Allen R. Taylor Legacy Award.
"On behalf of the whole department, congratulations to our award winners," said DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet Jr. "The multimodal commerce aspect of DOTD is a major and critical component of the agency, and air travel is an integral part of our transportation infrastructure for passengers and cargo alike."
The awards program recognizes superior achievement and leadership within Louisiana's aviation sector. Recipients demonstrate excellence and professionalism across all levels of airport operations, from ground crews to executive management.
DOTD Deputy Secretary Julia Fisher-Cormier praised the winners' contributions to state aviation. "Congratulations to Maurice 'Moe' Songy and Scott Gammel, as well as the Chennault International Airport, for being winners of these prestigious awards," she said. "We're thrilled to recognize excellence in aviation, and we're proud to have these winners represent that significant mode of transportation in our state."
Airport of the Year candidates must meet strict eligibility requirements, including effective management of all maintenance inspection issues and safety-related features. Winners must also demonstrate significant impact on aviation through safety improvements, construction projects, facility development, or innovative management of aviation resources.
The annual conference brings together airport managers, aviation professionals, and industry associates from across Louisiana to discuss best practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory updates affecting the state's aviation network.
Louisiana's aviation infrastructure serves both passenger and cargo transportation needs, supporting economic development and emergency response capabilities throughout the state. The awards recognize individuals and facilities that maintain the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.
Chennault International Airport operates as a general aviation facility serving the Lake Charles metropolitan area and surrounding communities in Southwest Louisiana. The airport provides essential aviation services, including aircraft maintenance, flight training, and business aviation operations.
The recognition comes as Louisiana continues investing in aviation infrastructure improvements to enhance safety, capacity, and economic development opportunities across the state's airport system.