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Get up to date on the latest press releases from the team at Midwest Express.
March 9, 2020
MIDWEST EXPRESS ENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH ELITE AIRWAYS
(Milwaukee, Wis.) – Midwest Express (ME) today announced that it has ended its partnership with Elite Airways. Midwest Express has filed a lawsuit against Elite because Elite breached its agreement with Midwest Express.
Midwest Express and Elite Airways had partnered to launch flying operations for Midwest Express, while Midwest Express pursues its own airline operating certificate and aircraft.
Although Midwest Express is discontinuing its partnership with Elite Airways, Midwest Express president Greg Aretakis says the airline’s plan continues to move forward with a goal of delivering non-stop flights with exceptional customer service. “We are in substantial discussions with other airline operators to bring back non-stop service to Milwaukee,” Aretakis added. “We have received a tremendous amount of support from the business community and former passengers who tell us that they need better options for air travel in Milwaukee; and we intend to deliver it.”
Midwest Express is continuing fundraising efforts. A date has not yet been set for the start of service.
August 28, 2019
MIDWEST EXPRESS-BRANDED AIRCRAFT UNVEILED AND INITIAL FLIGHT DESTINATIONS ANNOUNCED
Nonstop flights to Cincinnati, Omaha and Grand Rapids to begin by year end
Milwaukee, WI – Midwest Express today revealed the Elite Airways aircraft, complete with exterior Midwest Express branding, that will service initial flight destinations to Cincinnati, OH (CVG), Omaha, NE (OMA), and Grand Rapids, MI (GRR). The plane was on display at a news briefing at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport where travelers were treated to the legendary Midwest Express chocolate chip cookie that will be baked onboard all Midwest Express-marketed flights.
“Today is a monumental day in our efforts to return Midwest Express to the air as Milwaukee’s hometown brand,” said Greg Aretakis, president of Midwest Express. “We received input from many local businesses regarding their travel needs and this feedback factored into our choice of initial destinations.”
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.
“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.”
The Midwest Express-branded aircraft displayed at the event was a 50-seat Bombardier CRJ 200 jet, one of a number of jet aircraft models flown by Elite Airways.
“Bringing back Midwest Express and its special brand of customer service has been something we keep hearing from the business community, and today, that reality has never been closer. In the coming weeks, we will complete our final steps to begin marketing flights before the end of this year,” added Aretakis.
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.
April 11, 2019
MIDWEST EXPRESS TAKES NEXT STEP TOWARD RETURNING TO THE AIR
Company signs lease for headquarters office at Mitchell International Airport
Midwest Express Airlines today announced it has leased space for its corporate headquarters at Mitchell International Airport, taking the next step toward launching the new airline with the iconic brand.
“Establishing our office is a significant, formidable step toward fulfilling our commitment to returning Midwest Express Airlines to the sky,” said Greg Aretakis, president of Midwest Express Airlines. “We are looking forward to establishing formal office operations in the coming weeks and continuing on our path toward takeoff.”
The one-year, renewable, 1,500-square-foot lease is for the entire building located at 6083 South Jasper Avenue in Milwaukee, which was formerly part of the former 440th Air Force Reserve Station. The lease was finalized and signed earlier today and is effective April X. Midwest Express expects to begin occupying the space with furnishings and equipment in the coming weeks.
“We are thankful for the initial investors who saw the promise, seized the opportunity and believe in the strong business case to return Midwest Express to operation,” said Aretakis. “We have several steps to take before more details can be shared, but we have a clear course and are moving toward takeoff.”
According to Aretakis, there has been an outpouring of support for re-establishing Midwest Express Airlines from around the world, including outreach from former employees, business partners and frequent flyers. In response, the company has also made available Founders Club Midwest Express commemorative merchandise items which will be offered for a limited time and includes apparel, travel gear, glassware and more via the website www.bringbackmidwestexpress.com.
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