A slow economy isn’t stopping Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation from beginning a three-year strategic initiative to revamp the way they communicate flight schedules and other critical flight information to over 1,000 pilots and flight attendants throughout the United States. With the help of Northeast Wisconsin-based IT firm, Skyline Technologies, Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation is building a platform of new technology applications throughout the organization, beginning with a new crew self-service program to be completed by mid 2009.

The new web-based crew system will connect crewmembers throughout the United States who currently use phone and fax notifications to report emergencies, delays, and cancellations. Crewmembers will now be able to log in from any location to receive flight updates, report delays, and connect with other pilots, flight attendants, and corporate personnel. The new program will provide opportunities to decrease delays and cancellations; a proactive initiative Air Wisconsin knows will have a positive impact on the lives of their crewmembers and customers.

“It’s very important to have a streamlined system to minimize or avoid delays, such as a delayed crewmember, that could cause a cancellation for numerous passengers,” says Jeff Joy, Managing Director of Systems Operations Control and Crew Resources. “Financial returns may not be immediate, but they will come later down the road and will greatly impact our business.”

After months of researching some top IT firms in the country, executives and directors at Air Wisconsin have enlisted the expertise of Northeast Wisconsin-based Skyline Technologies to provide strategic technology planning and introduce new technology to their organization.

“What we saw differently in Skyline Technologies was that not only are they providing support, we’re building a long-term business relationship with them,” said Jeff Main, Managing Director of Information Technology at Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation.

“Compared to some of the other top IT companies we considered, Skyline possesses some of the best software architects, enterprise level expertise, business intelligence capabilities, education, and the mentoring assistance we need to grow,” added Kenny Young, Director of IT Applications and Planning.

In response to the relationship, Pat Deprey, co-founder and CEO of Skyline Technologies adds, “It is an honor to be selected to partner with Air Wisconsin in this strategic initiative to improve the way they do business here in the New North and across the country.”

However, building relationships to develop the crew self-service application involves not only Skyline Technologies. Executives and directors at Air Wisconsin responsible for producing the system are involving the departments and crewmembers affected every step of the way. A test group of crewmembers will review all stages of developing the program to ensure it will be an effective tool that will increase their efficiency and improve their connection and communication with the Air Wisconsin headquarters in Appleton, Wisconsin.

“This is not just an IT project, it is an Air Wisconsin effort,” says Joy. “If we want this system to increase efficiencies for our crews and provide opportunities for growth, we need to listen to their ideas and current challenges.”

Not only will this joint effort increase service and efficiency, it will also help Air Wisconsin move into the future with newer and more cost-effective technology, allowing opportunities for growth and a competitive edge in the airline industry. Executives at Air Wisconsin expect to have the crew self-service project completed by the third quarter of 2009 with additional projects to follow.

Notes to the Editor:

Air Wisconsin Airlines and Skyline Technologies team photos available upon request

About Skyline Technologies: www.skylinetechnologies.com

About Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation: http://www.airwis.com.