From Air Transport Intelligence:
United Airlines’ newly-signed regional carrier Republic Airlines is planning to base its operation around the Embraer 170 twin-jet rather than the Embraer ERJ-145 which it had anticipated operating for US Airways.
The regional carrier, which is to become part of the United Express network, says that it has entered into an aircraft purchase agreement – with the backing of parent company Republic Airways Holdings – covering financing, although details have not been disclosed.
Start-up Republic had originally planned to operate a fleet of 50-seat ERJ-145s for US Airways.
But United Airlines stated earlier this month that Republic would instead operate 70-seat aircraft on its behalf when it signed up the carrier – although it did not specify the type.
In an amendment to its service application filed with the US Department of Transportation (DOT), however, Republic specifically identifies the Brazilian-built Embraer 170 as the basis for its fleet.
It says: “Republic plans to operate a fleet of up to 16 Embraer 170 aircraft during the first full year of service.”
Republic does not give further details about the acquisition process but sets out a tentative delivery schedule under which three aircraft would arrive between July and September this year, another three in October, two in November, three in December, and the remaining five between January and March 2005.
The carrier is planning to launch United Express services in July this year, flying initially from Indianapolis to Washington Dulles and Chicago O’Hare.
Republic is one of three carriers owned by Wexford Investments which have signed up to become United Express operators. Wexford’s Chautauqua Airlines – which operates Embraer ERJ-135/140/145s – and its Saab 340 carrier Shuttle America have also agreed a tie-up with United.
United Airlines is bidding to rebuild regional capacity lost through its split with Atlantic Coast Airlines.
Embraer could not immediately comment on the Republic Airlines statement. The manufacturer has just delivered the first examples of the Embraer 170, including two to US Airways, the first North American operator of the type.
United Airlines’ newly-signed regional carrier Republic Airlines is planning to base its operation around the Embraer 170 twin-jet rather than the Embraer ERJ-145 which it had anticipated operating for US Airways.
The regional carrier, which is to become part of the United Express network, says that it has entered into an aircraft purchase agreement – with the backing of parent company Republic Airways Holdings – covering financing, although details have not been disclosed.
Start-up Republic had originally planned to operate a fleet of 50-seat ERJ-145s for US Airways.
But United Airlines stated earlier this month that Republic would instead operate 70-seat aircraft on its behalf when it signed up the carrier – although it did not specify the type.
In an amendment to its service application filed with the US Department of Transportation (DOT), however, Republic specifically identifies the Brazilian-built Embraer 170 as the basis for its fleet.
It says: “Republic plans to operate a fleet of up to 16 Embraer 170 aircraft during the first full year of service.”
Republic does not give further details about the acquisition process but sets out a tentative delivery schedule under which three aircraft would arrive between July and September this year, another three in October, two in November, three in December, and the remaining five between January and March 2005.
The carrier is planning to launch United Express services in July this year, flying initially from Indianapolis to Washington Dulles and Chicago O’Hare.
Republic is one of three carriers owned by Wexford Investments which have signed up to become United Express operators. Wexford’s Chautauqua Airlines – which operates Embraer ERJ-135/140/145s – and its Saab 340 carrier Shuttle America have also agreed a tie-up with United.
United Airlines is bidding to rebuild regional capacity lost through its split with Atlantic Coast Airlines.
Embraer could not immediately comment on the Republic Airlines statement. The manufacturer has just delivered the first examples of the Embraer 170, including two to US Airways, the first North American operator of the type.
