Midwest Express Comeback Bid Experiences 'Flight Delay'

MILWAUKEE, WI — Midwest Express is making a return to Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport, and revealed it's new-look plane and flight destinations in August.

The comeback airline said it will service initial flight destinations to Cincinnati, OH (CVG), Omaha, NE (OMA), and Grand Rapids, MI (GRR).

On Friday, Midwest Express President Greg Aretakis said those plans have encountered a bit of a flight delay - one that could last at least a month, maybe more.

“We planned to have our commercial infrastructure completed by year-end, but due to the upcoming holidays and advanced planning needs of our customers, we expect to announce schedules, pricing and initial flights near the end of first quarter of 2020. We thank the community for its continued interest and support, and we look forward to serving our customers in the new year.”

"Providing non-stop flights to key business destinations fills an important niche, and we couldn't be happier to welcome Midwest Express back home," said Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. "We are all excited that travelers can now access these important midwestern markets nonstop from our hometown airport of MKE."

When they do get up-and-running, Midwest Express will deploy the 50-seat Bombardier CRJ 200 jet, one of a number of jet aircraft models flown by Elite Airways.

According to Aretakis, Midwest Express is in the process of establishing its flight booking system and will be hiring key staff positions. Through the partnership with Elite Airways, flight operations will be provided by Elite.

In addition, Elite Airways will support Midwest's efforts to pursue regulatory and operational requirements necessary for Midwest to obtain its own airline operating certificate and aircraft.

Midwest Express is led by Greg Aretakis who serves as President. In May 2018, a private 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.

In April 2019, Midwest Express signed a lease for its corporate headquarters near Mitchell International Airport. In August, Midwest Express announced its partnership with Elite Airways to provide initial flight operations and assist with the regulatory and operational requirements necessary for Midwest to obtain its own airline operating certificate and aircraft.