Midwest Airlines today announced the launch of nonstop service between Kansas City and New Orleans.

New nonstops to New Orleans begin May 20 on a 76-seat Embraer 170 aircraft. The aircraft feature an all-leather seating configuration, buy-onboard meals and snacks, and complimentary baked-onboard chocolate chip cookies.

The Midwest Airlines announcement represents a return of air service lost to Hurricane Katrina. Kansas City is ranked 5^th in cities by demand without non-stop service. Currently, without non-stop service, 102 people per day each way travel between these two cities. Typically non-stop service stimulates the market so we would expect to see that number climb once non-stop is re-established.

The Airport staff and Board Members have ongoing dialogue and face-to-face meetings with airlines now serving our market as well as those who potentially could serve our market to deliver the message that New Orleans continues to be a vibrant city with a growing demand for air service. The Airport plans on additional meetings with Republic Holding (Midwest Airlines Parent) to discuss other opportunities for service to New Orleans.

New Midwest Airlines Nonstop Service

*Begins May 20, 2010

Flights are operated by Frontier Airlines, Frontier Airlines dba Midwest Airlines, Republic Airlines, Republic Airlines dba Midwest Airlines, Lynx Aviation or Chautauqua Airlines dba Midwest Connect.

For flight information and reservations, visit midwestairlines.com or call the Midwest Airlines Contact Center at 800-452-2022.