AirTran wants to acquire Midwest

The boys at AirTran Airways are looking buy Midwest Airlines based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It seems like a good match to me. Midwest purchased Boeing 717s, the workhorse of the AirTran fleet; and the small carrier has a nice sized hub in Milwaukee (aka the Midwest) where AirTran has been working hard to get a foot hold. Midwest has also built a strong network from Kansas City International Airport as well. These two cities would compliment AirTran’s Atlanta hub (and their various focus cities, Baltimore, Boston, Orlando, and dare I say... CAK.)

Plus, it seems like merging is the cool thing to do these days. US Airways is still trying to convince Delta creditors that they’d be a good partner; United andContinental are looking at tying the knot and Northwest Airlines hired a high-fluting investment advisor to flirt with potential partners too.

If even a few of these proposed mergers actually happen, then AirTran and Midwest would be even smaller fish in the domestic air service pond. That’s why this merger makes sense to me. The combined carrier would offer an extended network and more consumer options, allowing AirTran to compete with the big boys. Additionally, Joe Leonard, AirTran CEO, is a very savvy manager that knows how to build loyalty and release passion among his 8,000 employees. My guess is too, that Midwest Airlines will have a devil of a time competing with some mega-carrier because their route structure is so limited.

So, I’ve got my fingers crossed on this one, even though Midwest Airlines' isn't exactly seeing things my way. If the Board of Directors at Midwest ever care to hear what a fine partner AirTran is, all lines at CAK are currently open.  

Comments

Happy New Years to my neighbors out at Akron/Canton. Continue the tremendous work you do at your airport. Most airports are jealous of how well you have grown in just a 10 year span, and will continue growing in the future. I have flown it 10+ times in the last couple years, and will continue using it.

Right now my coalition of Airport Supporters are trying to help out the struggling Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. They have done a successful job with flights to Orlando aboard Allegiant Air (ALGT-Nasdaq), but they have not done much since then.

YNG needs to look at how well CAK has done over the years and perhaps take some tips from you guys. You run a very successful operation and should be commended for IT! You earn my award for the best airport in Ohio and the best operation of any government funded operation in the region.

GOOD LUCK IN 2007!

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