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Company Profile

Air Wisconsin

Comprehensive interview intel — history, fleet, compensation, hiring, culture, and strategy. Know the company inside and out before you walk in.

Big-picture snapshot

Air Wisconsin is no longer a traditional regional airline. After ending its American Eagle partnership in April 2025, laying off 500+ employees, and briefly pivoting to Essential Air Service (EAS) and charter operations, Air Wisconsin was sold to CSI Aviation (a New Mexico-based government charter company) on January 9, 2026. Under CSI ownership, Air Wisconsin's operations have shifted entirely to government charter flights — primarily ICE deportation and detention transport — using 13 CRJ-200 aircraft. The airline's website no longer lists passenger routes.

For interview purposes: Air Wisconsin is not currently hiring pilots for traditional airline flying. The information below provides historical context for pilots who may have questions about the airline or who want to understand its transformation. If you see Air Wisconsin in interview prep materials, understand that the company's mission has fundamentally changed under CSI ownership.

Company history

Air Wisconsin has one of the longest histories of any U.S. regional airline:

  • 1965: Founded in Appleton, Wisconsin, with 17 employees and two de Havilland Dove aircraft
  • 1985: Became a United Express feeder, operating for United Airlines
  • 2005: Switched to US Airways Express after United did not renew its contract
  • 2013: When US Airways merged with American Airlines, Air Wisconsin transitioned to American Eagle flying
  • 2015-2025: Operated as American Eagle with CRJ-200 fleet; ALPA representation since 1982
  • April 3, 2025: American Airlines partnership ended. Air Wisconsin announced strategic pivot to EAS and charter operations. 500+ employees laid off.
  • September 2025: Withdrew from EAS contracts. Additional 252 employees laid off. Signed letter of intent with Premier Shuttle Holdings (affiliate of Slate Aviation) for acquisition.
  • January 9, 2026: Sold to CSI Aviation (owned by Allen Weh, former New Mexico Republican Party chair). CSI acquired 13 CRJ-200s and Air Wisconsin's Part 121 certificate.
  • February 2026: Operations shifted to government charter flights (ICE transport). No longer operating scheduled passenger service.
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Sources listed at the end of each profile. Data compiled from public filings, airline newsrooms, AirlinePilotCentral, Glassdoor, FAA records, and industry publications.