Category Archives: Republic Airlines (2nd)

Compass Airlines to operate Embraer 175s from Los Angeles for American Airlines

Compass Airlines (Minneapolis/St. Paul) as we previously reported is becoming an American Eagle operator starting on March 29. Per Airline Route, Compass will operate new Embraer ERJ 175s from Los Angeles International Airport for American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) initially to Denver and Houston (Bush Intercontinental) with daily service.

Copyright Photo: Rob Finlayson/AirlinersGallery.com. Republic Airlines also operates the Embraer 175 as an American Eagle carrier. Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N422YX (msn 170000387) approaches the runway at the Miami International Airport hub.

American Eagle-Republic Airlines aircraft slide show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/American-Eagle-2nd-Republic-Ai

Republic Airways Holdings reports third net income of $18.5 million, will sublease 24 Bombardier Q400s to Flybe

Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Indianapolis) reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2014:

Republic’s pre-tax income from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2014 was $30.5 million compared to $5.4 million for the prior year’s third quarter. In the third quarter of 2013, the Company incurred an impairment charge of $21.2 million. Absent this impairment, Republic’s pre-tax income from continuing operations increased $3.9 million, or 14.7%.

Republic’s net income for the third quarter of 2014 was $18.5 million, or $0.35 per diluted share.

Republic’s pre-tax income from continuing operations for the nine months ending Sept. 30, 2014, was $86.6 million compared to $51.7 million for the same period of 2013. Absent impairment charges in both years and a fair value gain recorded in 2014, Republic’s pre-tax income from continuing operations increased from $72.9 million to $88.1 million, or 20.9%. Republic’s net income for the nine months ending Sept. 30, 2014, was $52.6 million, or $1.01 per diluted share.

During the quarter, the Company announced it would add 50 new E175 aircraft to its Capacity Purchase Agreement with United. The aircraft, which each have a term of 12 years, are expected to be delivered between mid-2015 and mid-2017. The Company and United also agreed to an early wind-down schedule for the Company’s 31 Q400 aircraft currently in operation between early 2015 and late 2016.

As previously report, Republic has entered into a sublease with Flybe Limited, a UK airline, for 24 Q400 aircraft, with deliveries to Flybe coordinated with the removal of the aircraft from United service. The remaining Q400 aircraft will be sold, leased or returned to the lessor after removing them from United service.

Operating Revenue Highlights

Operating revenues increased $11.1 million, or 3.3%, as compared to the third quarter of 2013 to $349.7 million in the third quarter of 2014. Fixed-fee service revenue increased $23.4 million, or 7.3%, to $343.7 million due to increased E175 flying with American Airlines offset by the removal of 15 E140 and 12 E145 aircraft from service. Passenger service revenue decreased $12.6 million because of the removal of E190 aircraft operating under pro-rate agreement with Frontier Airlines.

Operating Expense Highlights

The increase in wages and benefits expenses of $6.7 million, or 7.7%, was primarily due to an increase in E175 operations, an increase in the cost of benefits we provide to our employees and new pilot flight and duty rest regulations.

Fuel expense for the third quarter of 2014 decreased $6.2 million, or 54.9%, as compared to the third quarter of 2013 to $5.1 million primarily due to a 56.9% decrease in gallons consumed related to the elimination of pro-rated flying for Frontier. Fuel expense is primarily attributable to our fixed-fee charter operations and is a pass-through to our customers.

Depreciation and amortization expense for the third quarter of 2014 increased $6.7 million, or 18.1%, as compared to the third quarter of 2013 due primarily to the increase in the E175 fleet.

The other impairment charge of $21.2 million during the third quarter of 2013 was due to an impairment charge on owned E190 aircraft and the write-off of maintenance deposits on leased E190 aircraft.

Fleet Highlights

As of September 30, 2014, Republic operated a fleet of 240 aircraft. Through September, the Company has removed 27 ERJ aircraft from CPA service, and has taken delivery of 17 Embraer E175 aircraft and expects to take delivery of seven additional E175 aircraft during the remainder of 2014. As of September 30, 2014, within its fixed-fee and charter agreements, the Company operated 42 aircraft with 44-50 seats and 198 aircraft with 69-99 seats.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

The Company’s total cash balance decreased $17.2 million to $283.5 million as of Sept. 30, 2014, compared to Dec. 31, 2013. Restricted cash increased $1.8 million, to $25.8 million, from Dec. 31, 2013, due to the escrow requirements under fixed-fee charter agreements. The Company’s unrestricted cash balance decreased $19.0 million, to $257.7 million, from Dec. 31, 2013, due mainly to equity investments into new aircraft and the redemption of a $22.3 million convertible note. A consolidated balance sheet and summary cash flow statement have been included in the tables section of this release.

During the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2014, the Company purchased 212,881 shares of its common stock on the open market at a weighted average price per share of $9.98 pursuant to the open market purchase plan approved on April 7, 2014, for total consideration of $2.1 million.

The Company’s debt increased to $2.35 billion as of September 30, 2014, compared to $2.17 billion at December 31, 2013, primarily related to the financing of 17 new E175 aircraft purchased for our American Airlines fixed-fee agreement partially offset by the Company’s debt repayments. As of September 30, 2014, about 97% of the Company’s debt is at a fixed interest rate. The Company has significant long-term lease obligations for aircraft that are classified as operating leases and are not reflected as liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. At a 6% discount factor, the present value of these lease obligations was about $0.51 billion and $0.59 billion as of Sept. 30, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2013, respectively.

Republic Airways Holdings Inc. is an airline holding company that owns Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines (2nd) and Shuttle America.

As of Sept. 30, 2014, the three airlines operated a combined fleet of about 240 aircraft and offered scheduled passenger service on more than 1,300 flights daily to about 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada through fixed-fee flights operated under our major airline partner brands, including American Eagle, Delta Connection, United Express and US Airways Express.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. As previously reported, United Airlines is dropping the Bombardier Q400 services operated by Republic Airlines (2nd). Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) N346NG (msn 4346) arrives at Washington (Reagan National).

United Express-Republic Airlines (2nd) Aircraft Slide Show:

http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-3/Airlines-United-States3-QZ/United-Express-Republic

Republic Airways Holdings’ 2Q income rises to $20.1 million

Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Indianapolis) reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2014. Key points include:

Republic’s pre-tax income from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2014 was $33.3 million, or $0.63 per diluted share, a 23.3% increase over the previous year. Republic’s income from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2014 was $20.1 million, or $0.38 per diluted share. This is a $4.0 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, increase from the previous year.

Republic’s pre-tax income from continuing operations for the six-month period was $56.1 million, or $1.06 per diluted share, a 21.2% increase over the previous year. Republic’s income from continuing operations for the six-month period was $34.1 million, or $0.65 per diluted share. This is a $6.6 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, increase from the same six-month period of the previous year.

On April 7, 2014, Republic’s Board of Directors authorized management to use up to $75.0 million of unrestricted cash to buy back common shares and/or early retire convertible debt during the following 12 months. Pursuant to the authorization, Republic redeemed a $22.3 million convertible note, leaving $52.7 million remaining on the share repurchase and convertible debt retirement authorization. The repayment of the convertible note reduced the Company’s dilutive share count by about 2.2 million shares for the quarter.

“I am pleased we were able to report improved second quarter financial results, as we remain focused on executing on our strategic plan to simplify and streamline our business,” said Republic’s CFO Timothy Dooley.

“Last Friday, Republic celebrated 40 years of commercial passenger service and our long-term success would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of my 6,500 co-workers. I would like to thank them for their diligence and commitment to our mission to provide safe, clean and reliable service to our airline partners and our guests on board,” said Republic’s Chairman, President and CEO Bryan Bedford.

Operating Revenue Highlights

Operating revenues increased $6.3 million, or 1.9%, from the second quarter of 2013 to $343.0 million in the second quarter of 2014. Fixed-fee service revenue increased $20.2 million, or 6.4%, to $337.1 million due to increased Q400 flying with United Airlines and increased E175 flying with American Airlines. Passenger service revenue decreased $13.8 million because of the removal of E190 aircraft operating under pro-rate agreement with Frontier Airlines.

Operating Expense Highlights

The increase in wages and benefits expenses of 8.6% or $7.3 million was primarily due to an increase in E175 operations, an increase in the cost of benefits we provide to our employees and new pilot flight and duty rest regulations (FAR 117).

Fuel expense for the second quarter of 2014 decreased $6.6 million, or 54.1%, to $5.6 million primarily due to a 57.6% decrease in gallons consumed related to the elimination of pro-rate flying for Frontier. Fuel expense is primarily attributable to our fixed-fee charter operations and is a pass-through to our partner.

Landing fees and airport rents decreased $7.8 million, or 54.2%, primarily due to United Airlines beginning to pay all landing fees in June 2013, coupled with the decrease in our small jet operations.

The increase in depreciation and amortization of 16.9%, or $6.1 million, was primarily related to the increase in the E175 fleet.

Fleet Highlights

As of June 30, 2014, Republic operated a fleet of 237 aircraft. Through June, the Company has removed 23 ERJ aircraft from CPA service, and has taken delivery of 11 E175 aircraft and expects to take delivery of 13 E175 aircraft during the remainder of 2014. As of June 30, 2014, within its fixed-fee and charter agreements, the Company operated 45 aircraft with 44-50 seats and 192 aircraft with 69-99 seats.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

The Company’s total cash balance decreased $14.2 million to $286.5 million as of June 30, 2014, compared to December 31, 2013. Restricted cash increased $0.8 million, to $24.8 million, from December 31, 2013, due to the escrow requirements under fixed-fee charter agreements. The Company’s unrestricted cash balance decreased $15.0 million, to $261.7 million, from December 31, 2013, due to the redemption of the $22.3 million convertible note on April 7, 2014. A consolidated balance sheet and summary cash flow statement have been included in the tables section of this release.

The Company’s debt increased to $2.27 billion as of June 30, 2014, compared to $2.17 billion at December 31, 2013, primarily related to the financing of 11 new E175 aircraft purchased for our American Airlines fixed-fee agreement. As of June 30, 2014, about 97% of the Company’s debt is at a fixed interest rate. The Company has significant long-term lease obligations for aircraft that are classified as operating leases and are not reflected as liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. At a 6% discount factor, the present value of these lease obligations was about $0.53 billion and $0.59 billion as of June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. With the sale of subsidiary Frontier Airlines in September 2013, Republic no longer operates Embraer 190s for Frontier as pictured in the past. As a result, revenue dropped by $13.8 million because of the removal of the ERJ 190 aircraft operating under pro-rate agreement with Frontier Airlines. Republic currently operates five E190s for Caesars Entertainment for gambling charters. Now gone, Embraer ERJ 190-100 IGW N175HQ (msn 19000216) climbs away from Los Angeles International Airport in full Frontier colors.

Frontier Airlines (2nd)-Republic Airlines (2nd):

Republic Airlines to fly Embraer 175s as American Eagle from the Miami hub starting on October 2

Republic Airlines (2nd) (American Eagle) (Indianapolis) on October 2 will start operating Embraer 175s on American Eagle services from the Miami hub to Atlanta, Indianapolis, Jacksonville and Tallahassee. The E175s will replace existing Embraer ERJ 145 service per Airline Route.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Republic’s Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N404YX (msn 17000367) completes its final turn on the river approach into Washington’s Reagan National Airport (DCA).

American Eagle-Republic:

Republic Airlines Embraer 170 veers off the runway into the grass at Kansas City while performing an engine run-up

Republic Airlines (2nd) (part of the Republic Airways Holdings group) (US Airways Express) (Indianapolis) Embraer 170 veered off of the runway at Kansas City International Airport this morning around 4:30 a.m. and ended up into the adjacent grass area while performing an overnight engine maintenance run-up. The nose wheel ended up being wedged into a gully that created a slow and difficult process to remove the aircraft. There were no injuries or apparent damage to the airliner.

Read the full report and video from KCTV Channel 5: CLICK HERE

Chautauqua to phase out its Embraer ERJ 140s, parent Republic will not cancel its Bombardier CSeries order

Chautauqua Airlines (Indianapolis) is phasing out its Embraer ERJ 140 regional jets it operates for American Airlines. According to ch-aviation, the company will operate the last ERJ 140 flight for AA on August 18. Pilots are being switched to the new Embraer 175s which will be operate under the American Eagle brand.

Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Indianapolis) is an airline holding company that owns Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America. The airlines operate a combined fleet of about 250 aircraft and offer scheduled passenger service on about 1,300 flights daily to about 100 cities in the U.S., Canada and the Bahamas through fixed-fee flights operated under our major airline partner brands, including American Eagle, Delta Connection, United Express, and US Airways Express.

In other news, Republic Airways Holdings CEO Bryan Bedford has stated the company has no intention of canceling its order for the new, but delayed, Bombardier CSeries aircraft. Republic has 40 CS300s on order. Republic has made the decision to phase out its 50-seat aircraft and will concentrate on the Embraer 170 and 175 series of aircraft and the Bombardier Q400 besides the the CS300s on order according to this interview in the Financial Post.

Read the full article: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. Embraer ERJ 140LR (EMB-1135KL) N376SK (msn 145578) arrives in Minneapolis/St. Paul.

American Connection-Chautauqua:

Route Map of the Republic Airways’ airlines:

Republic Airways Holdings reports first quarter net profit of $14 million

Republic Airways Holdings (Indianapolis) reported financial results for the first quarter of 2014. Key points include:

Republic’s pre-tax income from continuing operations was $22.8 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, an 18.1% increase over the March 2013 quarter. As of Dec. 31, 2013, Republic had a significant amount of federal net operating loss carry forwards and does not anticipate paying significant federal taxes for the next several years.

Republic’s net income for the March 2014 quarter was $14.0 million, or $0.26 per diluted share. This is a $13.7 million increase from the prior year. The March 2013 quarter was negatively impacted by $11.1 million of losses from discontinued operations at Frontier Airlines.

Republic canceled more than 12,400 flights during the first quarter of 2014, primarily because of severe weather in January and February of 2014. That was a 145% increase from the number of canceled flights compared to the first quarter of 2013. These cancellations negatively impacted the pre-tax financial results by about $7.0 million during the first quarter of 2014.

On February 11, 2014, Republic announced the early termination of its 44 to 50 seat fixed-fee agreements with United Airlines and American Airlines, which were scheduled to terminate in 2014. These agreements wind-down beginning in March 2014 through August 2014 and will result in the indefinite grounding of 27 small jet aircraft.

In the first quarter of 2014, Republic recorded an impairment of its owned Embraer ERJ 140 aircraft of $19.9 million and an $18.4 million gain on its Chautauqua restructuring asset. The Company also sold one Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft for a book gain of $1.8 million during the quarter. The net of these three items improved pre-tax earnings by $0.3 million.

On April 4, 2014, Republic announced that members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 357 failed to ratify a proposed four-year pilot labor agreement. The agreement would have significantly improved pay and work rules for our pilots.

On April 7, 2014, Republic’s Board of Directors authorized management to utilize up to $75 million of unrestricted cash to buy back common shares and/or early retire convertible debt during the next 12 months. Under the $75 million authorization, Republic may repurchase up to $50 million of common shares and early retire up to $50 million of convertible notes, or any combination thereof.

On April 7, 2014, Republic redeemed a $22.3 million convertible note, leaving $52.7 million remaining on the share repurchase and convertible debt retirement authorization. This will reduce the Company’s dilutive share count by about 2.2 million shares going forward.

“I am pleased we were able to report improved first quarter financial results despite the most severe weather events in a single quarter I can recall in my 27 years of experience in the airline industry. Our results demonstrate the stability and strength within our core fixed-fee business,” said Republic Airways Holdings Chairman, President and CEO Bryan Bedford. “We are committed to our guiding principles and strengthening our brand reliability and product quality for our partners, shareholders and employees,” Bedford said.

Republic Airways Holdings, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is an airline holding company that owns Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines (2nd) and Shuttle America.

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. Embraer ERJ 170-100SU N806MD (msn 170000019), as a spare aircraft, completes its Republic Airlines (2nd) flight into Charlotte.

Combined Route Map:

Republic Airways (Republic Airlines):

Republic Airways Holdings’ pilots reject the proposed tentative contract

Republic Airways Holdings‘ (Indianapolis) over 2,200 pilots of subsidiaries Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines (2nd) and Shuttle America have rejected by a 85-15 percent vote the tentative agreement with management.

According to ALPA, “While their Tentative Agreement contained some substantial contract improvements, including pay increases, it did not meet their pilots’ demands. After 7 years of negotiations, the pilots clearly felt that they deserved pay and benefits commensurate with their positions as professional air line pilots and the value they bring to the company. Also of note is that the negotiated TA only touched four areas of the contract and did not address many areas of pilot interest.”

In addition, Teamsters Local 357 Executive Board issued this statement to the pilots: “In rejecting the TA, the pilot group has stated clearly its demand that Republic must do better in establishing acceptable terms for a new agreement. The Company cannot ignore the pilots’ demands without risking the continued deterioration of its operation which drove it back to the bargaining table last year.”

In return, the company, Republic Airways Holdings issued this statement:

Republic Airways Holdings announced on April 4 that members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 357 failed to ratify a proposed four-year pilot labor agreement.

IBT Local 357 represents more than 2,200 pilots for Republic’s sister companies Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America.

“We are extremely disappointed that the union’s membership failed to ratify the tentative agreement that was reached in mid-February. At a time when other regional airlines have been negotiating concessionary agreements for their pilots, we were able to reach an industry-leading contract that significantly improved pay and work rules for our pilots to vote upon,” said Republic Airways Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Wayne Heller. “Despite the outcome of this vote, Republic remains committed to providing the safest, most reliable flight service for our legacy airline partners.”

The proposed contract included increases in pay that would have placed Republic pilots at or near the top of its regional airline peers. It also included improvements in quality of life enhancements and more flexibility in scheduling, as well as a significant signing bonus if it had been ratified.

Republic Airways Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Bryan Bedford said, “I am disappointed with the results of the IBT Pilot vote as I believe that the Tentative Agreement we reached with the IBT was in the best interest of our Pilots and an important step forward for our Company. We will work with the IBT to determine our next steps.”

Republic Airways Holdings, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is an airline holding company that owns Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America, collectively “the airlines.” The airlines operate a combined fleet of about 250 aircraft and offer scheduled passenger service on over 1,350 flights daily to about 110 cities in the U.S., Canada and the Bahamas through fixed-fee flights operated under our major airline partner brands, including American Eagle, Delta Connection, United Express, and US Airways Express. The airlines currently employ about 6,300 aviation professionals.

As a result, Republic has delayed a decision on its order for 40 Bombardier CSeries aircraft. The order is not cancelled but it is pending according to Bedford after this vote.

Copyright Photo: Tony Storck/AirlinersGallery.com. Formerly operated in Frontier Airlines colors, Embraer ERJ 190-100 IGW N163HQ (msn 19000255) is now painted in the Republic Airways house colors and operated by Republic Airlines (2nd).

Republic Airways-Republic Airlines:

The combined route map of Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines (2nd) and Shuttle America:

Pilots, represented by the Teamsters, and Republic Airways Holdings reach a tentative agreement

Republic Airways Holdings (Indianapolis) and the Teamsters Airline Division have announced they have reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year contract. The more than 2,200 pilots of Republic are represented by Teamsters Local 357 in Plainfield, Indiana and fly for the Republic’s subsidiaries, namely Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines (2nd) and Shuttle America.

The tentative agreement includes increases in pay that will place Republic pilots at or near the top of its regional airline peers. It also includes improvements in work rules, quality of life enhancements and more flexibility in scheduling as well as a significant signing bonus if ratified.

Bryan Bedford, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Republic Airways offered comment in a press release today.

“At a time when many of our competitors are moving in the opposite direction on pilot compensation, we are thrilled that Republic is able to significantly improve the wages and benefits of the more than 2,200 women and men who safely fly more than 1,300 daily scheduled flights for our major airline partners,” Bedford said.

“This TA reflects the dedication and hard work of the union and the company’s negotiating committees,” said Republic Airways Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Wayne Heller. “We thank the union representatives for their professionalism and commitment in reaching this agreement.”

The agreement will be presented to union members for review and a formal ratification vote, which is expected in March.

Copyright Photo: Keith Burton/AirlinersGallery.com. Shuttle America’s Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N202JQ (msn 17000240) operating as a Delta Connection carrier taxies at Boston’s Logan International Airport.

Delta Connection-Shuttle America:

Republic Airways Holdings to ground 27 regional jets due to a pilot shortage, Bloomberg Businessweek takes a look at the issue

Bloomberg Businessweek has taken a look at how the pilot shortage issue is affecting small carriers and how the low pay issue is making it worse.

Related to this, Republic Airways Holdings (Indianapolis), which owns regional carriers Chautauqua Airlines and Republic Airlines (2nd), today stated in a federal filing that it is no longer seeking lease extensions for 27 of 41 Embraer 50-seat regional jets. The holding company cited a “significant reduction” in pilots who meet the new U.S. experience rules according to Reuters.

Republic added that it will retire 27 50-seat regional jets this year

Read the full Bloomberg Businessweek article: CLICK HERE

Read the report by Reuters: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. Chautauqua Airlines’ Embraer ERJ 145LR (EMB-145LR) N298SK (msn 145508) operating as an US Airways Express carrier departs from the Charlotte hub.

US Airways Express-Chautauqua Airlines: