In 1968, Purdue University formed charter carrier Purdue Airlines, partially to allow students from their aviation programs to gain modern jet experience. The airline operated three DC-9s (and provided crews and maintenance for Playboy magazine's executive DC-9). The airline shut down in 1971. N9339 had been leased from Air West / Hughes Airwest (1969 -1971) and was returned. The aircraft went to Republic Airlines in 1980 (Northwest Airlines after 1986). Sold to Evergreen in 2009, it was flown to Marana, AZ and broken up for parts.

Delivered new to Purdue Airlines in July 1969. Airline was associated with Purdue University and operated a charter service to ORD until N394PA was sold to Hughes Airwest on 17 April 1971.