Appleton Airport: American Airlines flights to start July 5

American Airlines, the world's largest airline, will begin service at the Appleton International Airport on July 5.

During a news conference Friday morning, airport director Abe Weber announced the airline would offer four daily flights--two out of Appleton to Chicago O'Hare, and two return flights from Chicago O'Hare.

The 50-seat flights will depart from Appleton to Chicago during the morning. Return flights will come into Appleton during the lunch hour.

"The reason this is so important is that many of the companies coming into this community each and every day have agreements with American Airlines," Weber said.

Action 2 News on Thursday reported that a new airline was coming to Appleton, but airport staff would not confirm the name of the airline.

The Dallas Morning News reported that American Airlines is adding routes in Chicago, and in smaller connecting cities like Appleton, Wis.; Bozeman, Mont.; Boise, Idaho; and Colorado Springs, Co. to name a few.

It's a move that's likely to make flying out of the Appleton International Airport much more competitive.

"An airline like American Airlines doesn't just go anywhere," said Outagamie County Executive Thomas Nelson. "It's my understanding that this is the first time in the 50-plus year history of ATW that American Airlines is flying out of this airport."

Airline passengers are embracing the idea of a new airline choice with

more potential connections.

"We fly down to Mexico and everything and when we do that we have to travel down to Milwaukee and everything. So if we can get another airport, or airline in here maybe we can fly out of here versus driving an hour and a half just to go on vacation," Chad Wiskow of Neenah said.

"I think it's exciting for the area, and much needed. I think it will be welcomed to the community with open arms. It's growth, achievement, it's a lot of work, a lot of work for a lot of people and I think it will be great for the area," Mary Kidd of Green Bay said.

Right now the airport is the fourth busiest in the state in passenger traffic. In 2015 it was renamed to better identify with Appleton.

American Airlines will compete with Delta, United, and Allegiant for business.

Mayor Tim Hanna told us, "Whatever airline is is, just having more passenger service is good for business, it's good for tourism, it's good for the economy. So, there's really nothing bad about this. This is a really, really good announcement."

American Airlines also services Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport. Airport director Tom Miller released this statement:

"Competition for additional air service is a constant in our industry and Green Bay-Austin Straubel International Airport is always talking with major airlines about expanding or adding GRB service to their schedules. We are proud to be among the largest airports in the state, with American, Delta and United offering daily, nonstop flights to major hubs including Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis and Detroit. Those services will continue and we thank area residents for supporting GRB."

The Appleton International Airport has planned a "celebration event" for Monday, March 13 at 10:30 a.m. There will be speakers, and attendees will be entered to win round-trip airfare for two.