Saturday, March 1st, 2008
Welcome
‘The best care in the air’ enters a new era
A MESSAGE FROM TIMOTHY E. HOEKSEMA, CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF MIDWEST AIRLINES
After 24 years in business and 12 as a publicly held company, Midwest Air Group—the parent company of Midwest Airlines—entered a new era on January 31, when it was sold to Midwest Air Partners, LLC, an affiliate of TPG Capital. We’re looking forward to this partnership with TPG, because we know the company’s considerable airline industry experience will help us continue to meet—and exceed—our customers’ expectations. TPG was founded in 1992 as a private investment firm, and since that time it has invested in Continental Airlines, America West and Ryanair. Additionally, the company has invested in many other well-respected brands that I’m sure you’ve heard of including Burger King, J.Crew, MGM, Neiman Marcus and Petco. All of us at Midwest are confident our airline will benefit from TPG’s strength and expertise as we implement our plans for the future.
I think you’ll find it of interest to know that those plans include the introduction of a wide-ranging environmental initiative. Called “The best care for the air,”SM this program is based in part on Midwest’s own track record of environmentally conscious decision-making. For instance, during the last five years, Midwest has reduced its carbon emissions rate by more than 20 percent. Our new fuel-efficient Boeing 717 fleet, along with the implementation of other fuel-conservation measures, helped us in this effort. You’ll hear more about this green initiative, including a carbon-offset program for travelers, in the months ahead.
On a lighter— and sweeter—note, we are pleased to now offer our popular baked-onboard chocolate chip cookies for retail purchase. Midwest Airlines Genuine Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough comes packaged as 32 individual ready-to-bake, one-ounce cookies. In Milwaukee, you’ll find the cookie dough at Balistreri-owned Sendik’s Food Markets. In the greater Kansas City area, it can be found at Hen House Markets. And if you just happen to be on your way to visit family or friends and want to bring what is certain to be a much-appreciated gift, you can just stop by the Best Care Club at the Milwaukee airport and pick up a box before you take off. Special freezer bags are available for purchase to keep the cookie dough frozen until you arrive at your destination.
Wherever your destination may be today, I thank you for choosing Midwest Airlines. Now and in the future, we look forward to providing “The best care in the air” to each and every one of our loyal customers in Milwaukee, Kansas City and all the destinations we serve.
