Air Wisconsin Partners With American Airlines in New Five-Year Deal

Regional airline leaves United, allowing American to expand capacity without taking on more airplanes.

Michael Wildes

Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at 05:13 PM ET

Verified

Air Wisconsin's new service will operate under the American Eagle brand. [Photo: Julie Boatman]

Key Takeaways:

Regional carrier Air Wisconsin is ending its partnership with United Airlines and will begin operating flights for American Airlines under a new five-year capacity purchase agreement starting March 2023.
Initially utilizing 40 of its CRJ-200 regional jets (with potential for up to 60), Air Wisconsin will primarily fly for American Eagle from Chicago O'Hare.
Air Wisconsin pilots will remain employed and compensated by Air Wisconsin, meaning they will not receive the higher pay benefits recently offered to pilots at American's wholly-owned regional carriers, though United Aviate participants retain interview eligibility with United.

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In an announcement that affects commercial airlines, passengers, and pilots, regional carrier Air Wisconsin will end its partnership with United Airlines [NASDAQ: UAL] and partner with American Airlines [NASDAQ: AAL].

Beginning March 2023, American will tap the Appleton, Milwaukee-based airline that operates a fleet of Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jets to fly on its behalf, primarily from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (KORD).