AIRLINE - US’s Republic, Mesa complete merger

Republic Airways Holdings and Mesa Air Group have announced the completion of their merger under a combined company that now holds a fleet of over 310 Embraer E-Jets operating flights under existing capacity purchase agreements for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The transaction was announced on April 7, 2025, and approved by Mesa stockholders on November 17. Now, Republic shareholders own about 88% of the combined company, and Mesa shareholders will own between 6% and 12%.

Both carriers, Republic Airways and Mesa Airlines, still operate under separate air operator’s certificates (AOC). However, now the

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FLEET - Republic Airways anticipates taking delivery of nine E175 aircraft by the end of December 2025 and has an additional 26 aircraft on order for delivery in late 2026 through early 2028.

Photo: Duncan Stewart - LAX
 

Republic Airways and Mesa Airlines to merge

 

On 7 April 2024, Republic Airways Holdings and the Mesa Airlines Group announced that both companies entered into a definitive agreement in which both companies will merge and continue as as Republic Airways Holdings. The deal is expected to be finalised in the final quarter of this year but is dependent on receiving all the regulatory approvals.

The newly merged company will continue to operate the Capacity Purchase Agreements it has in place with American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.

Currently, Republic Airways is operating a fleet of 31 Embraer ERJ170s and 178 ERJ175s. Mesa Airlines has a fleet of 60 ERJ175s. It also has four remaining CRJ900s in service which will be retired. Combined, the company will be the largest operator of the ERJ175 in the world.

Photos: Duncan Stewart

Republic Airways to add 30 E175s amid Delta changes

Republic Airways (YX, Indianapolis Int'l) will add thirty E175s to its fleet to operate a more extensive network of regional routes on behalf of Delta Air Lines (DL, Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson), the capacity provider said in a press release.

The first of the thirty Embraer regional jets will be delivered between October 2019 and July 2020. The aircraft are transfers from Compass Airlines (United States of America) (CP, Minneapolis/St. Paul).

"Our partnership with Delta is a vital part of our business, and we’re excited by the opportunity to expand our relationship with Delta and continue to serve its customers," President and CEO Bryan Bedford said.

To support increased Delta Connection operations, Republic Airways will open new crew bases at Boston and Louisville Int'l airports in December 2019. The carrier currently has a maintenance base at the latter airport and no facilities at the former.

According to the ch-aviation fleets advanced module, Republic Airways currently operates 129 E175s, of which sixteen operate under the Delta Connection brand. The carrier also operates sixty-two E170s, including twenty-one on behalf of Delta.

Republic Airways also operates on behalf of American Airlines and United Airlines.

The changes are related to the shake-up of Delta Connection's operations. Delta recently announced it will terminate contracts with GoJet Airlines (G7, St. Louis Lambert Int'l) and Compass Airlines while expanding partnerships with Republic Airways, SkyWest Airlines (United States of America) (OO, Salt Lake City), and Endeavor Air (9E, Minneapolis/St. Paul).

Compass Airlines currently operates thirty-six E175s for Delta. SkyWest has already announced it will take over six of these aircraft. All thirty-six units are owned by Delta Air Lines.

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Republic Airways firms up order for 100+100 E175s

Republic Airways Holdings has announced it has firmed up a tentative order with Embraer (EMB, São José dos Campos) for 100 E175 jets.

The purchase was first announced during the 2018 Farnborough Airshow as a Letter of Intent (LOI) and includes purchase rights for an additional 100 E175s, with conversion rights to the E175-E2.

Deliveries will start in the second half of 2020.



Republic Airlines (YX, Indianapolis Int'l) is a production carrier and currently operates a total of 129 EMB-175s and sixty E170s for and on behalf of American Airlines as American Eagle, for Delta Air Lines as Delta Connection, and for United Airlines as United Express

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Embraer and Republic Airways Sign USD 4 billion Contract for up to 94 E175 Jets

São José dos Campos, Brazil, January 24, 2013 – Embraer and Republic Airways Holdings Inc., operator of the largest E-Jets fleet in the world, announced today a contract for the sale of 47 EMBRAER 175 jets. The agreement also includes options for an additional 47 aircraft, providing a potential for 94 E175s, which could reach a total value of approximately USD 4 billion, in 2013 economic conditions, at list price.

The new aircraft will be operated by Republic Airlines, a Republic subsidiary, under American Eagle brand in the American Airlines’ regional network. The deal is subject to court approval which is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2013. The E175 will be featured in a dual-class layout, seating up to 76 passengers and the first delivery is scheduled for mid-2013.

“It is significant that our long-time, valued customer Republic Airways – a true innovator in the regional transport business – is the first customer for the enhanced E175,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “It’s a perfect example of how our investments in product development make our customers more competitive in their markets. The E175 is the most comfortable, technologically advanced and efficient aircraft in its class and it represents the best value for airlines because it also delivers the lowest total operating cost.”

As the leader in the 70 to 120-seat jet segment, Embraer continues to invest in the E-Jets family, which is flown by some 60 airlines from 40 countries. The Company has begun implementing a series of enhancements to the current generation of E-Jets, including new wingtips, systems optimization and aerodynamic refinements that will lower fuel burn by up to 5%. Republic will be the first customer to receive E175 aircraft with these enhancements. Longer maintenance intervals and component improvements will increase aircraft productivity and lower maintenance costs.

“We are thrilled that American has selected Republic and the Embraer E175 to expand their network with large regional jets,” said Bryan Bedford, Republic Chairman, President and CEO. “The Embraer E175 is an outstanding aircraft and the interior design American has selected will provide a world-class, seamless product for their customers flying on Republic.”

“This is a significant milestone in our company’s history,” said Chuck Schubert, American’s Vice President – Network Planning. “Establishing a large regional jet fleet has long been part of our business plan and this agreement is another example of how we are executing on that plan in a way that benefits our business and our customers. We will offer more flights at the right intervals throughout the day in key markets while providing more opportunities for customers to travel in the First Class cabin to key business markets.”

More than 150 E175s are currently in service with 12 carriers. Because the E175 has no over wing exits that can restrict seat placement, operators have more flexibility in configuring the aircraft cabin. The E175's 2,000 nm (3,706 km) range, short field performance and superior hot and high capability make the airplane ideal for the North American network.

Republic Airways was the first US carrier to fly Embraer E-Jets. It acquired E170s in 2004 and still operates those aircraft today on behalf of United Express. With this new order, the Republic Airways E-Jet fleet will be comprised of 72 E170s and 107 E175s for a total of 179 E-Jets (226 if all options are exercised). Republic Airways is also a long-time customer of the ERJ 145 regional jet family with 70 flying on contracts with several US regional carriers.