YX · MEP · Active
Midwest Airlines
United States

0
Routes
0
Hubs
MEP
ICAO
YX
IATA
TravelerPulse profile
The Best Care in the Air.
Founded
1984
Headquarters
Oak Creek, Wisconsin, United States
Midwest Airlines was a United States regional and mainline carrier headquartered in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, known for its exceptional passenger experience and premium in-flight service. Founded in 1984 as a subsidiary of Kimberly-Clark, the airline built a strong reputation for offering wide leather seats, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, and attentive service on its flights, earning consistent recognition as one of America's best airlines.
The carrier operated primarily out of Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport, serving a network of destinations across the continental United States. After facing financial difficulties and a hostile takeover bid, Midwest Airlines was acquired by Republic Airways Holdings in 2009. The brand was subsequently phased out and merged into Frontier Airlines operations by 2011, ending nearly three decades of service.
Hubs & network
Midwest Airlines operated its primary hub at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Fleet
Midwest Airlines operated a fleet that included Boeing 717s, Boeing 737s, and MD-80 series aircraft during various periods of its history.
Notable facts
- ›Famous for serving freshly baked chocolate chip cookies to passengers in flight.
- ›Originally founded as a subsidiary of Kimberly-Clark Corporation in 1984.
- ›Repeatedly named 'Best U.S. Airline' by Zagat Survey and other consumer publications.
- ›Republic Airways Holdings acquired the airline in 2009 after a prolonged takeover battle.
- ›The Midwest Airlines brand was officially retired and absorbed into Frontier Airlines by 2011.
This profile is provided for general information only. Contact details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airline's official website before acting on them.
Featured article · TravelerPulse Library
Republic Airways
Republic Airways is a major U.S. regional airline operating scheduled flights exclusively as a contract carrier for American Airlines and United Airlines under the American Eagle and United Express brands.
Read the full profilePrimary hubs
No hub data available.
Route network
No route data available.
Encyclopaedia
Midwest Airlines was an airline in the United States headquartered in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, that operated from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport between 1984 and 2010. For a short time, it also operated as a brand of Republic Airways Holdings.
Read full article on WikipediaLatest news
ch-aviation· 5/29/2026
Wisconsin's Midwest Express raises $1mn ahead of launch
Read at ch-aviation
ArcGIS StoryMaps· 12/12/2025
Fly the best care in the air!
Read at ArcGIS StoryMaps
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos· 2/23/2026
With 2 deals, Republic Airways grows into big airline
Read at ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Metropolitan Airport News· 10/9/2024
Midwest Express: The Best Care in the Air
Read at Metropolitan Airport News
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel· 4/11/2019
Milwaukee's former airline, Midwest Express Airlines, was once the "Best care in the air"
Read at Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
BizTimes - Milwaukee Business News· 8/6/2019
Midwest Express signs agreement with Maine airline to launch service
Read at BizTimes - Milwaukee Business News
Translate