For over 25 years Midwest Express Airlines was Milwaukee’s premier airline known for great service, leather seats and fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies. At its peak, Midwest flew nonstop to over 50 cities and was rated as one of the best airlines in the industry. The name and Milwaukee’s premium airline service were, sadly, both lost after an acquisition/merger following the recession of 2008.
Today, we are excited to be taking initial steps to bring Midwest Express Airlines back! Led by Greg Aretakis, aviation industry expert and former VP at Midwest Express, Midwest Express consists of a group of passionate supporters committed to bringing back our hometown airline. Our goal is to fund this airline locally, which will ensure a long-term commitment to growing and keeping this service in Milwaukee. We thank our fellow Midwest Express supporters and are offering up “ME” apparel and other logo items to help raise awareness and excitement as we begin ramping up.
Your support is appreciated and we hope to be breaking a cookie together with you soon!
Note that although in the early stages of development, Midwest Express is actively raising capital and assessing routes. We thank you for your interest and support!
August 6, 2019
MIDWEST EXPRESS SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH ELITE AIRWAYS TO PROVIDE INITIAL SERVICE FROM MILWAUKEE
Midwest Express preparing to launch initial flights by end of year
Milwaukee, WI – Midwest Express today announced it has signed an agreement with Portland, Maine-based Elite Airways LLC to begin non-stop flight service from Midwest Express’ home base at Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport.
“This agreement with Elite Airways is a key step to bringing much-needed nonstop service back to Milwaukee,” said Greg Aretakis, president of Midwest Express. “We identified Elite Airways as a well-suited partner due to its extensive operating experience, high-quality customer service approach, and exemplary safety record. By partnering with Elite, we expedite bringing our service to the market while we pursue federal licenses required to operate independently.”
Elite Airways will operate the initial aircraft and provide flight crews and maintenance service for Midwest Express. Midwest Express will establish its own reservations system, customer service operations and in-flight amenities to support the new flights. All public-facing customer interaction, including the branding on the planes, will be Midwest Express. In addition to providing flight operations, Elite will work in tandem with Midwest to complete regulatory and operational requirements for Midwest to obtain its own airline operating certificate and aircraft.
John Pearsall, president of Elite Airways, said “We’re proud to play a role in helping bring Midwest Express Airlines back to Wisconsin. Our aircraft and top-notch crew will provide the experience and service that Midwest Express passengers can and should expect, and we’re excited to work together with Midwest Express as it progresses with its launch and ongoing business plans.”
According to Aretakis, the focus of the initial routes and flight times will be based on business community needs and Midwest Express expects to announce details about its service in the coming weeks. “We continue to be encouraged by the support we are getting as we talk to leaders in the business community,” he added.
About Midwest Express Airlines
Midwest Express Airlines, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is led by Greg Aretakis who serves as President. He is a veteran airline leader who most recently served in senior positions at Midwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines. In May 2018, a private stock offering was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, allowing the organization to secure investors and begin implementing its plans to bring the airline back to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In April of 2019, Midwest Express Airlines signed a lease for its corporate headquarters near Mitchell International Airport. For more information about Midwest Express, visit www.flymidwestexpress.com.
About Elite Airways
Headquartered in Portland Maine, Elite Airways LLC was founded in 2006 by airline veterans with the goal to provide passengers a better travel experience with nonstop flights, competitive prices and exceptional service. Elite Airways is a U.S. Part 121 Air Carrier and provides chartered and scheduled service throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and South America. Elite Airways’ maintenance operations are located in Melbourne, Florida.
