Air Wisconsin to Cut Jobs as It Shifts to EAS and Charter Flights
Air Wisconsin is preparing to furlough up to 503 employees across its Milwaukee and Appleton offices as it shifts focus to charter and Essential Air Service (EAS) routes, following the end of its capacity purchase agreement (CPA) with American Airlines.
The airline informed the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development that the furloughs will begin as early as March 31, 2025. It stated that layoffs will be temporary for unionized employees but permanent for management and salaried staff. The breakdown includes 219 management/salaried job cuts and 294 unionized worker furloughs.
Air Wisconsin emphasized that it is actively pursuing alternative flying opportunities, with announcements expected in the coming weeks. However, the airline acknowledged that it cannot yet determine the full extent of workforce reductions.
As of December 31, 2023, Air Wisconsin employed 1,069 people, including 779 unionized workers. The airline’s crew included 386 pilots under the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and 196 cabin crew represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA).
The airline’s transition aligns with a broader industry trend of regional carriers adapting to market shifts. With the upcoming EAS and charter expansion, Air Wisconsin aims to restructure its operations while managing workforce reductions.
The final outcome of the layoffs will depend on the airline’s ability to secure new contracts, which will be critical for its long-term sustainability in the regional and charter aviation sector.
Related News: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com