SkyWest Airlines, a regional carrier, said Wednesday that it will offer three new nonstop flights daily from Milwaukee to St. Louis, effective Dec. 4.

SkyWest is the latest airline to expand here in an attempt to fill some of the void created by American Airlines' plan to cut flights serving Lambert-St. Louis International Airport next year.

Marissa Snow, a SkyWest spokeswoman, said the airline was responding to demand for its service at St. Louis and other markets.

The expansion is a part of a marketing partnership with AirTran Airways, another small carrier, to operate five 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 commuter planes between Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport and six nonstop destinations, including St. Louis.

Lambert spokesman Jeff Lea said SkyWest already has a few regional flights serving St. Louis in partnership with United Express and Delta Connection Airlines.