US’s Air Wisconsin Wins First EAS Route

Air Wisconsin has secured its first-ever Essential Air Service (EAS) contract, with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) selecting the carrier to operate the Parkersburg, Ohio–Charlotte International route. The two-year agreement begins October 1, 2025, and will use a 50-seat CRJ200 aircraft to offer 12 weekly round-trip flights.

This milestone follows Air Wisconsin’s decision to end its capacity purchase agreement with American Airlines in early 2025 to concentrate on EAS routes and charter services. The Parkersburg–Charlotte service is currently handled by Contour Airlines.

Under the DOT contract, Air Wisconsin will receive an annual subsidy of USD 5.2 million in the first year and USD 5.56 million in the second. The carrier’s proposal was the most cost-effective among five bids submitted by Breeze Airways, Contour Airlines, Denver Air Connection, and SkyWest Airlines.

Although the local airport authority initially favored SkyWest’s proposal, Air Wisconsin’s offer won out due to its alignment with service requirements and the inclusion of a direct connection to American Airlines’ Charlotte hub. Passengers will also benefit from full codeshare access with American Airlines, enhancing connectivity to domestic and international destinations.

Air Wisconsin currently operates a fleet of 61 CRJ200s, though only two are active, according to ch-aviation data. This new EAS route marks a strategic shift for the Appleton, Wisconsin-based carrier as it pivots toward underserved regional markets.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com