DAYTON — A regional airline has announced that more than 200 people at Dayton International Airport may lose their jobs due to a “strategic shift,” according to a WARN notice.
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Air Wisconsin Airlines LLC will cease its operations with American Airlines effective April 3, 2025.
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The company announced the change on Jan. 10, according to the notice.
Since the announcement, the airline company has been working to develop alternative flying opportunities.
“It is likely that the Company’s strategy will involve some level of company-wide workforce reductions, although at this point, the Company is unable to assess the extent of those reductions,” the WARN notice reads.
Possible layoffs for employees at the Dayton International Airport will begin as soon as March 31, 2025, or within the following two weeks.
The notice indicates that approximately 201 employees, 20 management and salaried employees, and 185 union employees, may lose their jobs.
Wisconsin Airlines expects temporary layoffs for unionized employees and permanent layoffs for management and salaried employees.
“The duration of the reduction is unknown and will be dependent on alternative flying opportunities,” the notice reads.
In January, Air Wisconsin announced a strategic shift in its operations following American Airlines decision to terminate their contract in April. In response, Air Wisconsin is actively exploring new opportunities, including providing Essential Air Service to select communities, expanding its charter operations, and pursuing other strategic initiatives, with further announcements expected in the coming weeks.
As the company evaluates these alternatives, it may consider a workforce reduction plan; however, the potential scope and impact remain uncertain. In accordance with state and federal regulations, Air Wisconsin has informed employees that reductions could take effect as early as March 31, 2025. However, no final decisions have been made regarding the number of affected employees, if any, and no individual notifications have been issued at this time.
— Air Wisconsin spokesperson
A spokesperson with the Dayton International Airport said they are aware of Air Wisocnsin’s recent decision about its relationship with American Airlines.
“Air Wisconsin operates flights for American Airlines to Chicago and Philadelphia from Dayton. American Airlines’ future schedule at DAY shows a net increase in seat capacity for those markets served.”
— Dayton Interational Airport Marketing & Air Services Development Manager Melissa Riley Patsiavos
News Center 7 has reached out to American Airlines for information about what this means for the Air Wisconsin flights that are operated out of Dayton.
We will continue to follow this story.
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