It’s hard to believe that footage from 1991 is now considered vintage. But one look at this video and its easy to see how much things have changed at Chicago’s Midway Airport since this video was taken. In this short 7 minute clip by JetLuvr2000, you’ll see numerous Midway Airlines DC-9s and MD-80s. You’ll also see 2 Southwest Airlines 737-200s and even a Northwest Airlines ‘baby’ DC-9-10 series. One place with the registration N907ML was a new MD-80 that is still operated by Falcon Air Express today.
This MD-80 aircraft was originally operated by Midway Airlines. After Midway, it flew with Reno Air then American Airlines. After American, it bounced around to a number of carriers before ending up with Falcon Air Express. Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackmcgo210/6849343997/
The video was taken only months before the demise of the original Midway Airlines in 1991. Burdened by high oil prices, over-expansion and a sluggard economy, Midway ceased operations after a failed bid to merge with Northwest Airlines. In the wake of failure, Southwest Airlines grabbed many of Midway’s gates and airport assets. At the time, Southwest had a relatively small presence. They had only been flying to Chicago for less than 6 years after inaugurating service in 1985. They eventually would grow to become Midway Airport’s dominant carrier. Today, Midway Airport is one of Southwest’s largest operations in their network.
