Northwest Airlines today
announced that it will begin offering the only nonstop service between
Madison’s Dane County Regional Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington
National Airport, beginning June 9, 2005. “Northwest is proud to build on its tradition of connecting Dane County
travelers to the world with Madison’s only nonstop service to Washington,”
said Robert Isom, senior vice president of customer service at Northwest
Airlines, at a news conference announcing the new service. “Connecting the
nation’s capital to the capital of Wisconsin, a key market for Northwest,
is yet another example of our commitment to our many loyal customers in
the Heartland of America.”

In addition to being Wisconsin’s largest airline, Northwest is also
Madison’s largest airline, offering more seats and flying more passengers
than any other carrier. Northwest provides service from Madison to all
three of its domestic hubs, where travelers can easily connect to hundreds
of destinations throughout the U.S. and the world. Northwest is also
Madison’s longest- serving airline, initiating service to Madison in 1927,
its very first year of passenger operations.

“Northwest responded to our need for a nonstop flight from Madison to
Washington, DC. This is a fabulous new service for both business travelers
and tourists alike,” said Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk.

Northwest is the only airline to provide daily flights from Madison aboard
larger “mainline” jet aircraft, which feature 16-seat first class cabins,
large overhead bins and additional cargo capacity. Northwest currently
offers 13 flights from Madison, including five to its Detroit WorldGateway
hub, seven to its hub at Minneapolis/St. Paul and one to its Memphis hub.

The new flight will be operated by Northwest Airlink partner Pinnacle
Airlines with a Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ), accommodating up to 50
passengers.

Customers currently holding tickets for travel June 9 or beyond on
connecting itineraries from Madison to Washington will be able to change
to Northwest’s new nonstop service without paying an administrative change
fee, provided changes are made by March 31, 2005.
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