'We Haven't Forgotten The Cookies', Group Says

Midwest Express, which was absorbed by Republic Airways in 2011, may be coming back as a standalone brand. A group of Milwaukee investors hopes to return the carrier to scheduled service from Milwaukee's Billy Mitchell Airport.

The investors have established a website generate interest in the idea. "With fewer flights out of Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport (MKE), and even fewer non-stop destinations, travel has become more of a hassle. Add long connections, service fees and crowded planes, it's just not fun anymore. Many other mid-size airports face the same problem, too," the website states.

"That's why we're working hard to bring back Midwest Express. With convenient destinations for business travelers, roomy seats, WiFi and friendly people who care about you, it's going to help you plan your travel more efficiently. Flights to many of our destinations will allow you to travel out and back on the same day, getting you back home at night, instead of being away."

USA Today reports that one of the investors, Curt Drumm of Manitowoc, WI, said that they are not ready to make any kind of public announcement yet, but "we are in the process of fundraising and are trying to lock in key investors."

The airline was known for two-abreast leather seating serving many popular business destinations. But when oil was trading for $145 a barrel in 2008, the business model became unsustainable.

No timetable has been established for restarting the airline, but there reportedly is room for another carrier at KMKE, according to Milwaukee County Executive Chris Alebe. But he added that no negotiations with the new Midwest Express group are active at this time.

One of the airline's trademarks was offering a warm chocolate chip cookie to each passenger on every flight, and Drumm said that it's one of the first questions he is asked when talking about the project. On the website, but group proclaims that "Oh, and by the way, we haven't forgotten the cookies!"

(Image from file)

FMI: www.flymidwestexpress.com