Please click on photo for full view, information and other photos.

Midwest Airlines (Milwaukee) has decided to phase out SkyWest Airlines (St. George) from its Midwest Connect operation. This decision comes after a new $12 million debt refinancing injection by owner TPG Capital and Republic Airways ($6 million each). As a result Republic Airways will increase its Midwest Connect operation to now include 12 37-seat Embraer ERJ 135s and 50-seat ERJ 145s (probably to be operated by subsidiary  Chautauqua Airlines) starting in July to replace the 12 Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets operated by SkyWest. SkyWest started operating for Midwest on June 1, 2007 and their operation should be phased out by January 2010.  Republic Airways subsidiary Republic Airlines (2nd) currently operates 12 Embraer ERJ 170-100s and is due to add two ERJ 190-100ARs for long range routes.