APPLETON (NBC 26) — For more than 60 years, Air Wisconsin has been a cornerstone of the Fox Valley's aviation industry, connecting Wisconsin to destinations across the country. Now, with the owner announcing a potential sale to a Florida company, the airline's future — and the jobs of 253 employees — hangs in the balance.
According to an SEC filing, Harbor Diversified, the owner of Air Wisconsin, has entered into a non-binding letter of intent to sell the airline. The proposed transaction would transfer Air Wisconsin's air carrier certificate, aircraft fleet, and related equipment to the buyer.
"The Company is evaluating the Proposed Transaction as part of its ongoing assessment of strategic alternatives for Air Wisconsin and its related operations," Harbor Diversified stated in the filing.
The deal structure includes an initial cash payment and buyer notes, with specific financing arrangements for aircraft acquisitions and parts inventory. However, the definitive terms and aggregate value remain subject to additional negotiations.Workforce reduction announced
Air Wisconsin informed all 253 employees of an impending workforce reduction plan. The company issued Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notices, with potential furloughs taking effect on or after October 28, 2025.
"Air Wisconsin is taking these actions to re-balance its workforce in light of evolving business needs and to provide the Buyer with flexibility to determine future staffing requirements," the company said.
Harbor Diversified indicated it may retain some Air Wisconsin employees to support ongoing aircraft sales and leasing operations not included in the proposed transaction.
Community reflects on aviation legacy
The Appleton Historical Society, which houses an Air Wisconsin exhibit donated by Steve Kuepper and Jeff Alley, serves as a repository for the airline's rich history dating back to 1963.
"So there are a lot of people who spent their lives working at Air Wisconsin," said Gwen Sargeant, president of the Appleton Historical Society.
The exhibit documents the airline's journey from its humble beginnings to its current uncertain times, showcasing everything from the first 12 pilots to ground crews and flight attendants who made the airline a local institution.
"From the first 12 pilots, to the grounds crew, to of course all of the amazing flight attendants, there's a lot of people in the local area that are really connected to Air Wisconsin from their time there," Sargeant said.
The announcement has sparked concern throughout the community as employees face potential job losses.
"Concern, you know, for the community. And I don't think anyone likes to see a lot of airplanes sitting on the tarmac out there," Sargeant said.
For workers and historians alike, the sale would mark the end of an era for an airline that has been deeply woven into the fabric of Appleton's identity.
Legacy will endure
Despite the uncertainty, Sargeant believes Air Wisconsin's impact on the community will extend far beyond any museum exhibit, should the airline cease to exist.
"We still have this incredible group of alumni here that I think will probably carry on that memory. Sharing with their kids, you know, pointing to the sky when planes come through and talking about, you know, when they got on the airplane for the first time," Sargeant said.
The deal remains in negotiation, leaving the future of Air Wisconsin — and hundreds of jobs — still up in the air.
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