The smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies could soon be coming from the jetways at General Mitchell International Airport once again, and it's caught the excitement of Milwaukeeans.
The staple of the one-time Milwaukee-based Midwest Express Airlines would be coming back if a group of investors is able to get the airline off the ground again.
Curt Drumm of Manitowoc’s Lakeshore Aviation is behind what he calls an “experienced group of aviation professionals.” The group launched a website with plans to re-launch the airline. While short on details, Drumm says more information will be released in the coming days.
Passengers at Mitchell International were thrilled to hear the news. Randy Williams told TODAY’S TMJ4 “I rode with them back in the day… they were a good airline and I’d get back with them if I had the opportunity.”
Customer service of years past was on the minds of many travelers.
“The comfort, the service, the food. The friendly service was great. They’d go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable and I think people want that now” said Dick Radder.
Drumm said the response from the website launch confirms the market research the team has done, that there is a need for Midwest Express to come back. The website promises more non-stop and convenient destinations and the friendly customer service the airline was known for. It also said, “Oh, and by the way, we haven’t forgotten the cookies.”
For their part, Milwaukee County, which runs the airport, released a statement from County Executive Chris Abele today:
The airport has added ten new nonstop routes in the past year, welcomed a new airline, and introduced year-round international service to Guadalajara, Mexico. Our passenger numbers continue to grow as more travelers choose MKE. We frequently meet with new and existing airline partners as part of our multi-faceted approach to market Mitchell Airport. We believe there is still plenty of opportunity at the airport, and will always consider new partners and development, but aren't in any specific discussions with potential airlines.
