MILWAUKEE, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Midwest Airlines (AMEX:MEH) and Northwest Airlines (NYSE:NWA) today announced they have signed an agreement to form a strategic codeshare partnership that will provide customers of both airlines a wider choice of travel destinations. The agreement formalizes a Memorandum of Understanding the two carriers signed in May and is the largest codeshare Midwest has entered into in its 23-year history.
The codeshare will greatly expand the networks of both carriers by adding 250 city pairs and more than 1,000 new flight options for customers. Passengers can book their entire flight on a single ticket, with all segments earning mileage credit in either the Midwest Miles or Northwest WorldPerks frequent flyer programs.
The program will be phased in by market, with the initial destinations to include Midwest flights between Milwaukee, Kansas City and Omaha to major West Coast cities, where passengers can connect to Northwest flights to several points in Hawaii.
Travelers are expected to be able to purchase tickets beginning November 3 for travel November 17 and beyond.
“We’re very pleased to be able to offer customers of both airlines a wider choice of travel destinations,” said Scott R. Dickson, Midwest Airlines senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “The convenience of a single ticket transaction and the ability to earn miles in the customer’s choice of award programs make this a win-win for everyone.” He pointed out that the codeshare is an expansion of a successful reciprocal frequent flyer relationship between Midwest and Northwest that began in May 2006.
Readers of Travel+Leisure named Midwest Airlines “Best Domestic Airline” in the magazine’s 2007 World’s Best Awards competition. The airline features jet service throughout the United States, including Milwaukee’s most daily nonstop flights and best schedule to major destinations. Catering to business travelers and discerning leisure travelers, the airline earned its reputation as “The best care in the air” by providing passengers with impeccable service and onboard amenities at competitive fares. Both Skyway Airlines, Inc. — a wholly owned subsidiary of Midwest Airlines — and SkyWest Airlines, Inc. operate as Midwest Connect and offer service to and connections through Midwest Airlines’ hubs. Together, the airlines offer service to 53 cities. More information is available at http://www.midwestairlines.com/.
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:
Source: Midwest Airlines
CONTACT: Media Inquiries, Carol Skornicka, +1-414-570-3980, cell,
+1-414-303-6516, Carol.Skornicka@midwestairlines.com, or AnalystInvestor
Inquiries, Dennis O’Reilly, +1-414-570-3954,
Dennis.O’Reilly@midwestairlines.com, both of Midwest Airlines
Web site: http://www.midwestairlines.com/
