In continuing the rollout of its 2007 strategic plan, Midwest Airlines (MEH) launched its new Midwest Connect service aboard 50-seat regional jets between Milwaukee and Columbus, Ohio and on select flights between Milwaukee and both Minneapolis/St. Paul and Philadelphia. Earlier this year, Midwest announced it was partnering with SkyWest (SKYW) to operate a minimum of 15 and up to 25 50-seat regional jets during a five-year term. Under the agreement, the St. George, Utah-based airline provides aircraft, flight crews and maintenance services for the 50-seat aircraft. Midwest Airlines oversees route planning, scheduling, marketing and sales for the new flights.
Midwest's strategic plan includes the addition of six new destinations as well as the addition of as many as 12 new routes, leading to a 21 percent increase in capacity in 2007. Midwest has already announced more than 30 service improvements including numerous enhancements involving the 50-seat regional jets. The CRJs will also be used to launch new service between Kansas City and Columbus and upgrade service on three of four daily flights between Milwaukee and Pittsburgh starting May 1. In addition, they will fly Milwaukee-Raleigh/Durham and upgrade service on all flights between Milwaukee and Baltimore/Washington starting June 1. The airline added that additional announcements about further 50-seat jet deployments are expected to be made in upcoming weeks. Related Story