Air Midwest Shuts Pax Operations

In the latest news from ailing Mesa Air Group, its wholly owned subsidiary Air Midwest, Inc., will discontinue all operations by June 30 including its current scheduled services provided under the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. The move ends a distinguished, 48-year history for the airline that was founded in Wichita, Kansas as Aviation Services, Inc.in May 1965 by Gary Adamson.  In 1969, it changed its name to Air Midwest and by 1978 it was operating a fleet of 10 Metroliners. Air Midwest was purchased by Mesa Air Group in 1991.
Air Midwest began filing notices with the Department of Transportation (DOT) of its intent to terminate EAS beginning over a year ago. "Although we are unable to continue to provide service, Air Midwest plans to cooperate with the DOT and any replacement carriers in the interest of lessening the impact on the communities affected," said Air Midwest President Greg Stephens, who cited record-high fuel prices, insufficient demand and a difficult operating environment as the main factors in its decision.
Mesa announced its intention to close Air Midwest in January. Related Story  The cessation begins in the East on May 23 at Lewisburg, WV, DuBois, PA, Franklin, PA and Athens, GA. The elimination of its western network takes place May 31 at Ely, NV, Merced and Visalia, CA, Prescott and Kingman, AZ and Farmington, NM. Finally, on June 30, its Midwest EAS operations cease including Columbia, Joplin and Kirksville, MO, Grand Island and McCook, NE and Little Rock, AR.