Republic Airways Holdings

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Republic Airways Holdings is an aviation holding corporation based in Indianapolis, Indiana, which owns three regional airlines operating in the United States: Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America.

[edit] Overview

Chatauqua operates regional jet (RJ) aircraft with up to 50 seats, Shuttle America operates Embraer 170 aircraft with 70 seats, and Republic Airlines operates Embraer 170 and 175 aircraft with 72-86 seats.

The separation of the three airlines is due to "scope clauses" between mainline pilots and each major carrier Republic feeds. These clauses regulate the size of regional jet aircraft that affiliate carriers may operate; the intent behind such clauses is to protect mainline pilots from being replaced by lower-paid regional pilots. In 2005, Republic paid a $6.6 million settlement to the Allied Pilots Association after placing Embraer 170s in service with Chautauqua Airlines as United Express, because such aircraft violated the scope clause in the pilots' contract at American Airlines, which also contracts with Chautauqua for regional service as American Connection. To avoid further liability, Republic had to move all of its Embraer 170 aircraft to Shuttle America, an airline that previously only operated Saab 340 turboprops.

In September 2005, Republic purchased 113 slots at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, 24 at LaGuardia Airport, and 10 Embraer 170 aircraft from US Airways with an agreement to lease those assets back to US Airways. The deal was necessary for US Airways to emerge from bankruptcy protection.

The airlines currently employ approximately 3,500 aviation professionals and operate 170 regional jet aircraft including 95 Embraer 145 aircraft and 75 Embraer 170 aircraft.