Appleton-based Air Wisconsin Airlines Corp. plans to close its facilities at General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee after it did not retain its contract with United Airlines, according to a notice filed today with the state Department of Workforce Development.
The company plans to lay off 53 employees starting Aug. 17, including 50 union positions. The layoffs will be permanent and comprise the company’s entire Milwaukee workforce.
The contract for union employees at the Milwaukee facility included bumping rights. Messages sent to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District Lodge 142 and the company were not immediately returned.
The DWD will work with Employ Milwaukee to provide response services to the workers.
Air Wisconsin operates 500 departures per day, with service to 70 cities for American Airlines. The company also provides ground handling services in 13 locations, including Milwaukee and Green Bay, in partnership with United Express and American Airlines. It has maintenance locations in Milwaukee, Norfolk, Va., Philadelphia and Columbia, S.C.
