By Tara Hernandez
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Midwest Express 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 arrived at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport this afternoon 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, and we are excited to serve the Milwaukee-Grand Rapids route which has been in demand for some time,” 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.
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.
“The drive from West Michigan to Milwaukee is not an easy one around the lake, and what could take up to six hours in a car, will now be a convenient 40-minute flight, thanks to the relaunch of Midwest Express, and the service they will offer between Grand Rapids and Milwaukee,” said Brian Picardat, Interim President & CEO at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. “We’re excited about this opportunity to connect our thriving West Michigan business community with our friends across the lake.”
“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.
