May 22, 2019
Group Using Promotional Products To Help Spur Relaunch of Shuttered Airline
The recession killed Midwest Express Airlines, but it could be poised for a comeback that branded swag is helping to fuel.
The Great Recession caused the downfall of Midwest Express Airlines, but the defunct airline is trying to make a comeback – and would-be proprietors are using promotional products to generate awareness, excitement and funds.
Former Midwest Airlines Vice President Greg Aretakis is spearheading efforts from a group of passionate supporters who are committed to re-establishing Midwest Express Airlines as a premier airline based in Milwaukee.
To bolster the campaign, the group has launched an online web store where supporters can purchase logoed apparel, drinkware, travel items and more.
“Our goal is to fund this airline locally, which will ensure a long-term commitment to growing and keeping this service in Milwaukee,” the organizing group said in a statement.
Midwest Express-branded items in the webstore include men’s and women’s polos, long-sleeve half-zip outerwear, a classic golf hat, mugs, a can cooler, a pint glass, a shot glass, a whiskey tumbler, a stainless steel water bottle, a copper vacuum water bottle that features a Bluetooth speaker in the lid, a wireless charging stand, a luggage handle wrap, a duffel bag, backpacks and more.
According to the airline’s supporters group, Midwest Express was in business, based out of Milwaukee, for more than 25 years. At its peak, the airline that offered leather seats and fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies flew nonstop to more than 50 cities and was “rated one of the best airlines in the industry,” supporters say. Unfortunately, the terrible recession of 2008 clipped the airline's wings, which led to an acquisition that ultimately saw the Midwest Express name and service shuttered.