The Appleton-based Air Wisconsin is strategically realigning itself to focus on Essential Air Service Program (EAS) markets, expand its charter operations and transition its relationship with American Airlines to a codeshare and interline relationship, from that of a subsidiary carrier. As a result of this announcement, more than 500 employees are being let go by the airline.
In January, the airline filed a layoff notice with the state. The notice says the airline expects to have temporary layoffs for unionized employees and permanent layoffs for management and salaried employees beginning on March 31 or in the two weeks after. The partnership with American Airlines is slated to end on April 3.
An estimated 713 employees are affected, which includes 219 management or salaried employees and 294 union employees. This includes employees at both Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport and Appleton International Airport. An additional 200 employees are affected at both Dayton International Airport and Chicago-O’Hare International Airport…