[BAG]

Beginning November 1, 2009, Southwest Airlines will connect Milwaukee to the nation's largest airline network. The airline will begin service with a dozen daily nonstop flights to six destinations: 3 to Baltimore/Washington, 3 to Kansas City, 2 to Las Vegas, 2 to Orlando, 1 to Phoenix, and 1 to Tampa Bay. Southwest is offering all of these new flights with fares as low as $35 one-way (when purchased by June 26th), recognizing Wisconsin's place as the 35th state to join the Southwest network. After the 26th, enjoy Southwest's low introductory fares from $49 to $99 to all nonstop destinations.

"That's $35 to get from Milwaukee to all six of these cities -- It's On!" said Teresa Laraba, Southwest's Vice President of Ground Operations, this morning at a news conference outside the Milwaukee Art Museum. "While other airlines have taken away options and added fees, our new Milwaukee service will stand apart in many ways. Milwaukeeans should know that we're here to serve and we're here to stay! We can't wait to introduce our legendary Customer Service, as well as our low fares and on time flights to new Customers across Wisconsin and Northern Illinois who've been asking for Southwest service for many years."

In addition to the 12 daily nonstop flights, Southwest Airlines' new service out of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport will offer direct (same plane) or connecting service to 49 other destinations throughout the Southwest Network. Southwest Airlines will operate from two gates in Terminal D at Mitchell, and will have about 40 fulltime Employees.

"Southwest has a loyal following and many cities covet attracting their service," said Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker. "We can't be more pleased they chose Milwaukee."

Milwaukee County Supervisors Lee Holloway and Michael Mayo, Sr., said, "This added service will build off Mitchell Airport's reputation as one of the most effective and efficient airports in the United States."