So long, and thanks for the cookies.

Actually, the cookies stay… but Midwest (MEP) is to be no more.

STORY

What they’re saying about Frontier-Midwest naming decision

Denver Business Journal
Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 11:40am MDT

Frontier Airlines will keep its name and bring the former Midwest Airlines under its branded wing, the CEO of the two airlines’ parent company has announced. (DBJ report.)

Here’s a roundup of comments in reaction to the news. (You’re invited to leave your own comment at the end of this article.)

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter - “This is a fantastic announcement for us here in Colorado. We could not have had a better outcome. Republic Airways made a very smart and very savvy business decision by recognizing the growth potential of the unique Frontier brand. This is a testament to Frontier employees and all of the customers who are fiercely loyal to our homegrown, low-cost carrier. And while maintaining the Frontier brand is great for all of us who love the talking animals on plane tails, the most important thing is jobs.”

Hopefully this decision means we are in a strong position to hold onto Frontier’s 3,500 Colorado jobs. This decision positions the new Frontier to expand into new markets and grow domestically and internationally, and that’s good for not just Denver and Colorado, but also for Milwaukee and Wisconsin."

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - “The Midwest Airlines brand will soon join TWA, Pan Am and other discarded carrier names. … The Midwest brand name … was seen by some as too restrictive for a combined airline that will include major operations beyond the Midwest hubs of Milwaukee and Kansas City. The Frontier name also is considered better known nationally, since Frontier is a larger airline.”

Frontier Airlines email to customers - “The new Frontier will be bigger, stronger and priced right. Travelers will enjoy an expanded combined route network, enhanced schedules and better connectivity. With the addition of 15 new markets this spring and summer, we now serve 74 cities across the Americas - offering more opportunities to fly to the places you want to go.”

Indianapolis Star - “The Frontier Airlines animals tails will continue to fly. And the Midwest Airlines popular chocolate chip cookies will still be an in-flight treat.”

David Bourne, Teamsters union official, in a letter to Republic Airways Holdings CEO Bryan Bedford before the decision - “Workers at Frontier Airlines are proud of their hometown airline and their great customer service model. I hope that you retain the strength of their pride in their service.”

BL.

I think this was a smart move on their part.

When I think of Frontier, I think of nice new airplanes with cute animals on the tail and funny TV commercials.

Midwest made my think of tired old DC-9s.

I have to agree. I think Frontier has the sleeker image, with the all-Airbus (and now E-Jet) fleet, LiveTV, and the animals on the tails. People love the animals.

But Midwest had a good thing going with the cookies.

Keep the best parts of both!