OREANDA-NEWS. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) launched international service for Milwaukee's largest airline by inaugurating service to Cancun, Mexico from General Mitchell International Airport. Flight 1012 departed Milwaukee on time at 8:50 a.m. CDT and was expected to arrive ontime just after 12:30 p.m. CDT.

The airline celebrated its first international flight from Milwaukee with Customers, Employees, and Community Partners during a tropical-themed, gate-side celebration. The celebration also highlighted Milwaukee's importance to Southwest. In nearly five years, the carrier has grown into Mitchell International's largest carrier, carrying nearly half of all passengers at the airport.

“Today's flight wouldn't be possible without the roots laid down by AirTran Airways,” said Doug Rutledge, Southwest Airlines Milwaukee Station Leader. “We started service at General Mitchell International Airport only four and a half years ago, and it's incredible to say we now offer nonstop international service from America's Heartland.”

“We are fortunate to have strong partners like Southwest Airlines. This weekend, we're kicking off flights to Cancun, and last week the airline announced new flights from Milwaukee to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic,” said Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. “This international growth, paired with facility improvements we are making at Mitchell Airport, helps us provide the best possible service and experience for passengers throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois.”

Southwest Airlines previously announced plans to convert by the end of this year all international service offered by wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways, including additional flights to Mexico and the Dominican Republic*.