Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation Names New Vice President of Maintenance

APPLETON, Wis., May 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation today announced that it has hired R. Keith Johnson as vice president of maintenance reporting directly to president and CEO James Rankin. In his new role as leader of the maintenance department, Johnson will assume responsibility for all decisions relevant to airworthiness, serviceability, and flight safety, and will serve as Air Wisconsin's primary maintenance liaison with the FAA and other regulatory bodies. Additionally, Johnson will be responsible for  monitoring and measuring Air Wisconsin's operations to maximize cost effectiveness while ensuring operational reliability.

"Keith is a strong leader with an ideal combination of experience for this position, which includes frontline mechanic experience and key leadership positions with both major and regional airlines," noted Rankin. "With this unique skill set, Keith is an excellent choice to lead our team of maintenance professionals."

After serving 12 years in the U.S. Air Force, Johnson began his career as an aircraft mechanic at Lockheed Aeromod Center, Inc., in Greenville, South Carolina. Later he joined Delta Air Lines, where he served in positions of increasing responsibility, from aircraft maintenance technician to general manager–continuous improvement. In 2005, he joined Comair, where he served as director of planning and analysis and most recently, director of aircraft repair and overhaul.

Johnson is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in professional aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He holds an FAA Airframe and Powerplant License.

Air Wisconsin, the largest privately held regional airline in the United States, operates as US Airways Express, scheduling nearly 500 departures per day to 70 cities in 26 states and two Canadian provinces. The fleet includes 70 Canadair Regional Jets (CRJ-200). Additionally, Air Wisconsin performs ground-handling services for United Express at United's Washington Dulles International hub and 22 other cities throughout the country.

Additional information can be found at www.airwis.com.

SOURCE Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation