(1) The commission is empowered and directed to encourage, foster and assist in the development of aeronautics in this state, and to encourage the establishment of airports and other air navigation facilities.

(2) The commission may recommend necessary legislation to advance the interests of the state in aeronautics and represent the state in aeronautical matters before federal agencies and other state agencies.

(3) The commission may render financial assistance in the acquisition, development, operation or maintenance of airports out of any monies made available by the Legislature for that purpose. In addition, the commission may render financial assistance for the purpose of providing air-marking and to aid in the establishment, development and maintenance of the Civil Air Patrol Program in Mississippi and the program of other local worthy organizations which tend to promote aeronautics in the state, as the commission, in its discretion, shall deem advisable, out of any funds appropriated by the Legislature for the operation of the commission. All such funds so expended by the commission during each calendar year for such purposes shall be reported to the Governor in the commission’s annual report to the Governor as provided in this chapter.

(4) The commission is authorized to buy, own, operate, maintain, lease, charter or rent an aircraft for the use of the commission, and for carrying on the business of the commission only, out of any monies appropriated by the Legislature for the operation and maintenance of the commission.

The commission is further authorized, in its discretion, to obtain and pay the premium on all risk, ground and flight coverage for physical loss or damage coverage upon any aircraft owned by or under the control of the commission.

(5) The commission is authorized to affiliate itself with the National Association of State Aviation Officials and to pay such reasonable fees and dues for membership and services as may be required.

(6) The commission may enter into any contract necessary to the execution of the powers granted it by this chapter but shall have no authority to enter into any contract or agreement binding the State of Mississippi for the payment of any monies which have not been specifically authorized by the Legislature, nor shall it enter into any contract or agreement binding the State of Mississippi, in excess of the powers granted in this chapter.

(7) The commission shall conduct hearings and shall make investigation as it may deem necessary for the purposes of determining the location, type of construction and the cost to the State of Mississippi of maintenance of emergency and all other classes of airports owned, operated or directly financed in whole or in part by the state within the State of Mississippi. It shall render assistance within its power, not inconsistent with this chapter, to any such subdivisions of the state in procuring such aid as the federal government may grant for the purpose of establishing and maintaining airports.

(8) The commission is hereby given full power and authority to grant permits or franchises to any airline operating wholly intrastate and within the bounds of the State of Mississippi, when proper proof is shown to the commission that the applicant therefor is fit, willing, ready and able to operate said airline under said permit or franchise. The commission is hereby authorized to designate, promulgate and initiate all and any rules, regulations, franchises and directives establishing air lanes governing intrastate air routes for the purpose of commercial scheduled intrastate flights by any person, firm or establishment engaging in the business of commercial intrastate air transportation. All such designated air routes shall conform to the standards prescribed by the federal government and its related agencies.

However, nothing contained in this subsection shall in any way apply to an air carrier operating by authority of a certificate or certificates of public convenience and necessity issued by the Civil Aeronautics Board or any other federal agency authorized to issue such certificates.