Air Wisconsin Airlines (Appleton, WI) was facing an uncertain future as American Airlines has not yet indicated if it will extend the current American Eagle contract which is due to expire in 2018.
Air Wisconsin has just signed a five-year capacity purhcase agreement (CPA) with United Airlines to once again fly as an United Express carrier. Air Wisconsin flew in United Express colors from October 26, 1986 to April 16, 2006 (below).
Copyright Photo: United Express-Air Wisconsin BAe ATP N853AW (msn 2022) IGM (Jacques Guillem Collection). Image: 932135.
United Express-Air Wisconsin slide show:
Since then Air Wisconsin has operated as an US Airways Express and now an American Eagle carrier.
Air Wisconsin currently operates 66 Canadair (Bombardier) CRJ200 regional jets for American (below):
Copyright Photo: American Eagle-Air Wisconsin Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19) N423AW (msn 7636) CLT (Jay Selman). Image: 403093.
American Eagle-Air Wisconsin slide show:
ALPA issued this statement representing the Air Wisconsin pilots:
Air Wisconsin pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), are applauding a new agreement with an old partner—United Airlines—that will give their carrier new flying for five years or more.
The agreement, announced on February 27, 2017 by United President Scott Kirby and Air Wisconsin CEO Christine Deister, came as the Wisconsin-based carrier was nearing the end of its contract with American Airlines. With the uncertainty of American renewing its contract with Air Wisconsin when it expires in early 2018, the agreement with United gives the airline and its employees new hope and opportunity.
“We are excited to renew our long-term relationship as a United Express carrier. Air Wisconsin flew under United’s colors from the 1980s until 2006, so for many of us at the airline, this announcement feels like we’re coming home,” said Capt. Chris Suhs, chairman of ALPA’s Air Wisconsin group.
According to Air Wisconsin management, the United agreement includes a career pathway program that will give pilots a path to jobs at the larger carrier if they meet United’s hiring standards and other conditions.
Suhs is hopeful that the stability the new deal with United provides will help Air Wisconsin attract and retain pilots, as well as assist management and the union in finally coming to terms on a new pilot contract. The two sides have been in negotiations for more than six years.
Filed under: Air Wisconsin, United Express Tagged: Air Wisconsin, American Eagle, BAe ATP, Bombardier CRJ200 (CL-600-2B19), msn 2022, msn 7636, N423AW, N853AW, United Express