Midwest Express, the fresh cookie airline, could make comeback

Startup might need $100 million and years to get flying 

It’s a long shot, but two investors are looking at bringing back an airline that could mainly serve La Crosse-Milwaukee flights.

It might take $100 million to revive the Midwest Express airline, which used to serve La Crosse and other cities in the region.

It could also take years before any planes actually fly, according to La Crosse Regional Airport director Clint Torp, but that’s not to deter the possibility.

“We’re always talking with potential startups,” Torp said.

Curt Drumm and Greg Aretakis are the two looking to bring back the airline.

Torp believes any decision to sign up with a new Midwest Express would depend heavily on where local travelers want to go.

“Milwaukee for example,” Torp said. “Is there enough business in Milwaukee that someone needs to get to Milwaukee just for the day, get back and they don’t want to do that four-hour drive?” Torp asked.

The original Midwest Express added La Crosse as a destination in 1989. It merged with Frontier Airlines seven years ago.

Many may remember it served fresh cookies on its flights.

Torp says La Crosse is always on the lookout for smaller airlines – “boutique” companies, he called them – which would appeal primarily to business flyers.