Air Wisconsin ends partnership with American Airlines; shifts focus on EAS market

Home
»
Stories
»
2025
»
January

GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Global Industry News

Air Wisconsin ends partnership with American Airlines; shifts focus on EAS market

Policy

Airbus A380 | Airbus

By Sky Industry News

Jan 12, 2025

Air Wisconsin, one of the oldest regional airlines in the United States, has announced a significant change in its operations and partnership with American Airlines. The airline will conclude its capacity purchase agreement (CPA) with American Airlines in April 2025. Following this, Air Wisconsin will enter into a codeshare and interline agreement with American Airlines, ending its role as an exclusive regional affiliate.

This strategic shift comes as Air Wisconsin aims to focus on two key growth areas: the federally funded Essential Air Service (EAS) market and charter operations. The airline's fleet of 50-seat CRJ-200 aircraft is central to this realignment due to their suitability for smaller routes and charter flights.

Air Wisconsin's CRJ-200s are particularly well-suited for the Essential Air Service program, which provides air connectivity to underserved rural communities across the United States. These services are crucial for residents who lack access to major airports or commercial flight options.

Get the Newsletter

Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News

By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

"This strategic shift underscores our adaptability and commitment to delivering reliable, customized air travel solutions where they are most needed," stated Robert Binns, President & CEO of Air Wisconsin. "As we diversify into EAS and grow our charter operations, we remain committed to delivering safe, efficient, and quality service to every community and customer we serve."

In addition to EAS services, Air Wisconsin sees opportunities in the Charter sector. There is growing demand for their CRJ-200 aircraft from collegiate sports teams within the NCAA. With realignments in major athletic conferences leading to longer travel distances for games and tournaments, Air Wisconsin's fleet is positioned to meet these specialized travel needs.

The airline's fleet of 60 CRJ-200 jets offers 50 seats each at a relatively low operating cost. This makes them versatile for regional flying and specialized Charter flights including large group travel and corporate charters.

Historically, Air Wisconsin operated under the American Eagle brand for American Airlines from Chicago O'Hare International Airport. After April 2025, American will rely more on its fully owned regional subsidiaries—PSA Airlines, Piedmont Airlines, and Envoy Air—for flights from O'Hare.

According to PaxEx.Aero, this transition impacts 47 markets served under their current CPA partnership. Airline Geeks reports that American's last CRJ-200 flight will be flight 6102 from Chicago O'Hare at 20:40 local time landing in Kalamazoo, Michigan at 22:45.

Since its founding in 1965, Air Wisconsin has expanded rapidly across several Midwest and East Coast locations. It became part of the American Eagle family after being announced by American Airlines in 2022 but had previously operated as United Express since 2018.

American Airlines conducts its regional flights under the American Eagle brand through agreements with various carriers like Mesa Airlines, SkyWest, GoJet Airways Republic Airways Commutair alongside wholly-owned subsidiaries PSA Airlines Piedmont Envoy ensuring connectivity between smaller locales key hubs such Philadelphia Dallas/Fort Worth Chicago among others.