Frequent Travelers Oppose AirTran Takeover of Midwest
Share:
72% in Survey Strongly Oppose Takeover; 65% Would Avoid Flying AirTran Following a Takeover
MILWAUKEE, May 2 -- Midwest Airlines (AMEX:MEH) today released results of a recent survey of Milwaukee-area frequent travelers showing strong opposition to a takeover of Midwest by AirTran Holdings, parent of AirTran Airways. Nearly two-thirds of survey respondents said they'd definitely not fly AirTran or would avoid flying it if they didn't have to after a takeover.
Commissioned by Midwest, the online survey was conducted by Probe Research Services, an independent research firm, in accordance with accepted research methodology. The survey included 300 consumers, randomly selected by Probe, who live in the Milwaukee metro area and fly three or more roundtrips a year on commercial airlines. The margin of error is +/- 5.7% at a 95% level of confidence.
72% of respondents strongly opposed a takeover of Midwest Airlines by AirTran; another 14% were somewhat opposed. When asked to describe their attitude toward flying AirTran in the event of a takeover, 16% of respondents said they would definitely not fly AirTran, with another 49% saying they would try to avoid flying the airline if they didn't have to.
Additionally, survey participants stated an overwhelming preference for Midwest Airlines over any other carrier, stated a willingness to pay more to fly Midwest and believed strongly that the quality of service would worsen after a takeover by AirTran. Complete survey results are available at www.savethecookie.com
"Experienced travelers are strong in their opposition to the proposed takeover," said Timothy E. Hoeksema, president, chairman and chief executive officer of Midwest Airlines. "These frequent flyers clearly prefer that Midwest Airlines remain independent and they would avoid flying AirTran in the event of a takeover."
Midwest Airlines features jet service throughout the United States, including Milwaukee's most daily nonstop flights and best schedule to major destinations. Catering to business travelers and discerning leisure travelers, the airline earned its reputation as "The best care in the air" by providing passengers with impeccable service and onboard amenities at competitive fares. Both Skyway Airlines, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Midwest Airlines and SkyWest Airlines operate as Midwest Connect and offer service to and connections through Midwest Airlines' hubs. Together, the airlines offer service to 51 cities. More information is available at www.midwestairlines.com
Source: Midwest Airlines
CONTACT: Media, Carol Skornicka, +1-414-570-3980, cell, +1-414-303-6516, Carol.Skornicka@midwestairlines.com, or Analysts-Investors, Dennis O'Reilly,
+1-414-570-3954, Dennis.O'Reilly@midwestairlines.com, both of Midwest
Airlines
Web site: www.midwestairlines.com www.savethecookie.com/
