Midway took to the skies today for the first time since the hometown airline folded operations on September 12.

At a 10 a.m. press briefing, Midway CEO Bob Ferguson was bullish about the airline's prospects for a successful comeback.
His remarks were followed by those of Rose Auman, 4th District director for Congressman David Price and Airport Director John Brantley, both welcoming the airline back to RDU.
Brantley, in particular, addressed some of his remarks to the Midway employees whose best Christmas present this year is to be back on the job. The first Midway flight, scheduled for noon, took off at around 12:45, followed by the other two mid-day flights to Tampa and Orlando. Delays were due to security check-in.

On Thursday, the airline moves to full operations, beginning with a 6:40 a.m. flight to Boston.

The airline will offer a total of nine daily departures to Boston, New York's La Guardia, and Newark, Orlando, Tampa and Ft. Lauderdale.

Midway employees offered refreshments and a piece of the celebration cake to the many travelers in line at the Midway check-in counter in terminal C.

The media were on the front line to report the event to the Triangle's audience. (MidwayAirlines CEO Bob Ferguson at far right)