This article is about the Republic Airlines that is currently operating. For the Republic Airlines that was founded in 1979, and purchased by Northwest Airlines, see Republic Airlines (1979-1986). Republic Airline, Inc., operates as Republic Airlines (IATA: RW, ICAO: RPA, and Callsign: BRICKYARD)[1] is a regional airline subsidiary of Republic Airways Holdings that operates service as US Airways Express for US Airways and formerly for Frontier Airlines using a fleet of Embraer 170 and Embraer 175 aircraft.
History
US Airways' pilots had a "scope clause" prohibiting the airline from operating large regional jets such as the Embraer 170. The airline negotiated around this clause by offering flight deck jobs to laid-off US Airways pilots, in a program known as "Jets for Jobs." This agreement created a subsidiary, MidAtlantic Airways. As part of US Airways' bankruptcy restructuring, the 25 Embraer 170s delivered to MidAtlantic were bought by Republic to help US Airways to come out of bankruptcy, which operates them along with additional newly-delivered aircraft on order under a conventional Express carrier contract.
On March 6, 2006 Republic Airlines announced it plans to establish an overnight maintenance facility and flight crew base at Pittsburgh International Airport, creating as many as 140 jobs by the end of 2006.citation needed
On January 11, 2007, Frontier Airlines announced it had signed an 11-year service agreement with Republic Airlines. Under the agreement, Republic would operate 17 Embraer 170 aircraft for the Frontier Airlines operations. The first aircraft was placed into service in March 2007, and the last aircraft was expected to be placed into service by December 2008. On April 23, 2008, Republic Airways Holdings (parent of Republic Airlines) announced the termination of its service agreement with Frontier Airlines, which entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early April 2008. Republic withdrew all of its Embraer 170-series aircraft serving Frontier on or before June 23, 2008. Due to Republic Airways' need for this aircraft type with its other operations and the high demand for this type in the market, it is likely that these aircraft will be repurposed for other RJET subsidiaries or sold.[2]
On February 1, 2008, Republic Airlines opened a base at Port Columbus International Airport in Columbus Ohio.
Republic also operates 37 Embraer 175 aircraft for US Airways Express.citation needed
On September 3, 2008, Republic announced a new 10 year codeshare agreement with Midwest Airlines. The aircraft will be based at Kansas City International Airport beginning October 1, 2008. Twelve aircraft will be placed in service with Midwest. The aircraft will initially be staffed by pilots of Republic, to be staffed by Midwest pilots within 2 years under a lease agreement.citation needed
Destinations
As of October 2008
For US Airways Express
US Airways Express destinations in Canada
US Airways Express destinations in the United States of America
Midwest Connect destinations
Fleet
As of March 2008 the Republic Airlines fleet includes:
- The Embraer 175 made its United States domestic debut when the first aircraft was delivered to the airline in March 2007. Total orders are for 30 aircraft, to be operated in an 86-seat configuration under the US Airways Express brand name.[3]
External links
References
|
