Category Archives: Republic Airways Holdings

Republic Airways Holdings’ second quarter net income increases 23% to $24.6 million, Frontier Airlines reports pre-tax 2Q income of $13.7 million

Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Republic Airlines 2nd) (Indianapolis) reported diluted earnings per share of $0.46, which is a 15.0% increase from the $0.40 per diluted share result in the second quarter of 2012. Net income increased 23.0% to $24.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, compared to net income of $20.0 million for the same period last year. Operating revenues totaled $664.4 million, a decrease of 8.7%, compared to $728.1 million for the second quarter of 2012.

“We are pleased to report improved financial results for the second quarter, driven primarily by the year over year improvement in our small regional jet operations at Chautauqua,” said Republic Chairman, President and CEO Bryan Bedford. “Our process to sell Frontier continues and I am very pleased that we were able to reach tentative labor agreements with both our Flight Dispatchers and Flight Attendants, which remain subject to membership ratification. I am thankful for the continued professionalism and dedication of my 10,000 co-workers on behalf of our passengers.”

Republic Segment Summary

Republic’s pre-tax income improved 45.8% to $27.7 million from $19.0 million in the prior year’s second quarter, due mainly to the redeployment of idled 50-seat aircraft and the successful completion of our Chautauqua restructuring efforts in late 2012.

Total Republic revenues decreased $20.6 million, or 5.8%, from the second quarter of 2012 to $336.8 million in the second quarter of 2013. Fixed-fee service revenue increased $34.9 million, or 12.4%, to $316.9 million, despite the removal of fuel expense and related reimbursement on our United E170 fixed-fee agreement, which accounted for $25.1 million of revenues in the prior year’s second quarter. The majority of the increase in fixed-fee revenues relates to Republic’s Q400 agreement with United that began in the second half of 2012 and Republic’s E190 charter agreement, which began in January 2013. Republic passenger service revenue decreased $56.1 million due to a reduction of pro-rate operations with Frontier, as aircraft previously operating in pro-rate service were either transitioned to other fixed-fee agreements or sold.

Fuel costs for Republic decreased $42.3 million to $12.1 million for the quarter, due mainly to the removal of fuel expense on our United agreement as noted above. The fuel cost per gallon, including into-plane taxes and fees, increased to $3.34 per gallon in the second quarter of 2013, compared to $3.26 per gallon in the prior year’s second quarter. The fuel cost per gallon related to our fixed-fee charter agreement is generally higher than our pro-rate operations with Frontier and is treated as a pass through cost under the agreement.

As of June 30, 2013, Republic operated a fleet of 232 aircraft. Within our fixed-fee commercial and charter agreements, Republic operated 70 aircraft with 44-50 seats and 157 aircraft with 69-99 seats. In addition, Republic operated five 99-seat aircraft under the pro-rate agreement with Frontier, down from seventeen, 99-seat aircraft operated in pro-rate service during the second quarter of 2012.

The Company expects to take delivery of 18 Embraer ERJ 175 aircraft to operate under its American capacity purchase agreement by the end of 2013. Additionally, the Company expects to place into service the final six Q400 aircraft under its United capacity purchase agreement over the next two quarters.

Frontier Segment Summary

For the quarter ended June 30, 2013, Frontier Airlines (2nd) (Denver) posted pre-tax income of $13.7 million, which is down slightly from $14.1 million of pre-tax income for the quarter ended June 30, 2012.

Frontier’s capacity, as measured by available seat miles (ASMs), was down 10.1% from the prior year’s second quarter, as a result of operating fewer Airbus aircraft. Frontier’s total revenues decreased 11.6% to $327.6 million for the quarter, compared to $370.7 million for the same period in 2012. Total revenue per ASM (TRASM) decreased 1.6% to 11.98 cents in the second quarter of 2013 from 12.18 cents in the second quarter of 2012.

Fuel costs decreased from the prior year’s second quarter by $22.6 million to $114.2 million for the quarter. The fuel cost per gallon, including into-plane taxes and fees, decreased to $3.14 per gallon in the second quarter of 2013, compared to $3.35 per gallon in the prior year’s second quarter. The second quarter of 2013 results included a loss on fuel hedges of $1.7 million, or $0.05 per gallon.

The operating unit cost for Frontier, excluding fuel, was 7.27 cents per ASM for the second quarter of 2013, a 1.3% increase compared to 7.18 cents per ASM for the same quarter of 2012.

As of June 30, 2013, Frontier operated 52 Airbus aircraft, compared to 58 Airbus aircraft as of June 30, 2012. All six aircraft removed were returned to lessors.

Recent Business Developments

On June 17, 2013, the Company announced it had reached a tentative agreement (TA) on a new five-year contract with the Transportation Workers Union (TWU) Local 540 Dispatchers. This TA is currently being voted on by union membership and we expect the voting results on August 1, 2013.

On June 24, 2013, the Company announced it had reached a TA on a new five-year contract with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 135 Flight Attendants. This TA is currently being voted on by union membership and we expect the voting results on July 29, 2013.

On July 15, 2013, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement with an affiliate of the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) for the financing of 47 Embraer E175 aircraft. These aircraft will provide service under the terms of the capacity purchase agreement with American Airlines announced in January. The first aircraft was delivered on July 15, 2013, and is scheduled to go into service with American on August 1, 2013.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

The Company’s total cash balance increased $44.8 million to $439.1 million as of June 30, 2013, compared to December 31, 2012. Restricted cash increased $53.2 million, to $200.3 million, from December 31, 2012. The Company’s unrestricted cash balance decreased $8.4 million, to $238.8 million, from December 31, 2012. A condensed consolidated balance sheet and cash flow statement have been included in the tables section of this release.

The Company’s debt decreased to $1.98 billion as of June 30, 2013, compared to $2.12 billion at December 31, 2012. As of June 30, 2013, approximately 90% of the 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 approximately $0.9 billion and $1.0 billion as of June 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum/AirlinersGallery.com. Republic Airways (Republic Airlines 2nd) Embraer ERJ 170-100SU N821MD (msn 17000042) departs from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Frontier Airlines (2nd):

Republic Airways (Republic Airlines 2nd):

Republic Airways Holdings reaches a tentative agreement with its flight attendants

Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Indianapolis) has announced that it has reached a tentative agreement (TA) on a new five-year contract with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 135 Flight Attendants. Local 135 represents over 2,000 Flight Attendants for Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines (2nd) and Shuttle America.

The proposed contract includes increases in pay, improvements in quality of life and more flexibility in scheduling. The TA still must be presented to union members for review and a ratification vote, which is expected to be held in July.

Top Copyright Photo: Tony Storck/AirlinersGallery.com (please click on the photo for the full size view). Shuttle America’s Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N204JQ (msn 17000243) operating as a Delta Connection carrier arrives at Washington (Reagan National).

Delta Connection-Shuttle America:

United Express-Shuttle America:

Bottom Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. Shuttle America’s Embraer ERJ 170-100SE N639RW (msn 17000057) prepares to land at Charlotte while operating for United Airlines as an United Express carrier.

Combined Route Map (please click on the map for the full-size view):

Republic Airways Holdings improves in the 1Q to a net profit of $300,000

Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Indianapolis) has reported first quarter 2013 net income of $0.3 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $7.1 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, in the first quarter 2012.

“I am pleased that during our seasonally most challenging quarter, we were able to restore our consolidated results to profitability,” said Bryan Bedford, Chairman and CEO of Republic Airways Holdings. “This is the first time in four years that we have produced positive earnings during the first quarter and our results reflect the continued improvement in the business and the substantial efforts of my coworkers and our senior leadership team.”

Republic Segment Summary

Republic revenues decreased 8.6% from the first quarter of 2012 to $324.7 million in the first quarter of 2013. Republic passenger service revenue decreased $52.2 million due to operating 12 fewer Embraer ERJ 190 aircraft under pro-rate operations with Frontier Airlines (2nd) (Denver). Five of the aircraft were moved into fixed-fee charter service, five aircraft were sold over the last two quarters, and two aircraft were returned to lessors. Fixed-fee service revenues increased 9.4% to $304.0 million, despite the removal of fuel expense and the related reimbursement on our United Embraer ERJ 170 fixed-fee agreement, which accounted for $24.6 million of revenues in the prior year’s first quarter. This reduction was more than offset by revenue from the growth in our Bombardier Q400 operations at United and our new ERJ 190 fixed-fee charter service agreement.

Fuel costs for Republic decreased $46.2 million to $13.6 million for the quarter. The fuel cost per gallon, including into-plane taxes and fees, increased to $3.86 per gallon in the first quarter of 2013, compared to $3.33 per gallon in the prior year’s first quarter. The fuel cost per gallon related to our fixed-fee charter agreement is generally higher than our pro-rate operations and is treated as a pass through cost under the agreement.

Pre-tax income improved to $20.6 million, from $10.9 million in the prior year’s first quarter. The prior year’s first quarter included $5.3 million of expense for idled aircraft, and this year’s first quarter includes the benefit of our ERJ restructuring effort completed in late 2012.

As of March 31, 2013, Republic operated 70 aircraft with 44-50 seats and 152 aircraft with 69-99 seats to support its fixed-fee commercial agreements. Under the pro-rate agreement with Frontier, Republic operated five 99-seat ERJ 190 aircraft. Compared to March 31, 2012, this reflects a net increase of six aircraft for the Republic segment. The Company has returned or subleased three ERJ aircraft, placed 16 Q400 aircraft into service, sold five ERJ 190 aircraft, and returned two ERJ 190 aircraft to the lessor over the past year.

Frontier Segment Summary

Frontier total revenues decreased 9.2% to $310.9 million for the quarter, compared to $342.4 million for the same period in 2012. Capacity on Frontier, as measured by available seat miles (ASMs), was down 12.6% from the prior year’s first quarter, as a result of four fewer Airbus aircraft in operation. Load factor for the first quarter was 87.8%, an increase of 3.1 points from the first quarter of 2012. Total revenue per ASM (TRASM) increased 3.9% to 11.86 cents in the first quarter 2013 from 11.41 cents in the first quarter 2012.

Fuel costs for Frontier were $118.0 million for the quarter, a decrease of $13.9 million from the prior year’s first quarter. The fuel cost per gallon, including into-plane taxes and fees, increased to $3.41 per gallon in the first quarter 2013, compared to $3.39 per gallon in the prior year’s first quarter. The first quarter 2013 result included a gain on fuel hedges of $0.4 million.

The operating unit cost for Frontier, excluding fuel, was 8.08 cents for the first quarter 2013, a 5.2% increase compared to 7.68 cents for the same quarter 2012.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2013, Frontier posted a pre-tax loss of $20.1 million compared to a pre-tax loss of $21.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. Frontier recorded $5.9 million, or 0.23 cents per ASM and $0.07 per diluted share, of aircraft return costs associated with the return of five leased Airbus A318 and A319 aircraft during the first quarter of 2013.

As of March 31, 2013, Frontier operated 56 Airbus aircraft compared to 60 Airbus aircraft as of March 31, 2012. Frontier returned two A318 aircraft and three A319 aircraft and took delivery of one leased A320 aircraft.

Recent Business Developments

On March 12, 2013, the Company received bankruptcy court approval of its capacity purchase agreement (CPA), as amended, with American Airlines to operate 47 ERJ aircraft in fixed-fee operations. The first aircraft is expected to be delivered in July and is scheduled to enter service for American on August 1, 2013. The Company anticipates taking delivery of 18 new E175 aircraft in 2013.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

The Company’s total cash balance increased $34.2 million to $428.5 million as of March 31, 2013, compared to December 31, 2012. Restricted cash increased $35.8 million, to $182.9 million, from December 31, 2012. The Company’s unrestricted cash balance decreased $1.6 million, to $245.6 million, from December 31, 2012. A condensed cash flow statement has been included in the tables section of this release.

The Company’s debt decreased to $2.0 billion as of March 31, 2013, compared to $2.1 billion at December 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2013, almost 90% of the 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 6.0% discount factor, the present value of these lease obligations was approximately $0.9 billion and $1.0 billion as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. A condensed consolidated balance sheet has been provided in the tables section of this release.

Copyright Photo: Norbert G. Raith. Frontier is now expected to retire the last two Airbus A318s by early August. Airbus A318-111 N809FR (msn 3092) prepares to land in Atlanta.

Frontier Airlines:

Republic Airways Holdings improves to a $51.3 million net profit in 2012

Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Republic Airways) (Indianapolis) reported its full year 2012 net income of $51.3 million, or $1.02 per diluted share, a $203.1 million improvement from our full year 2011 results of a net loss of $151.8 million, or $3.14 per diluted share. The Company also reported fourth quarter 2012 net income of $12.6 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, a $136.1 million improvement over the fourth quarter 2011 net loss of $123.5 million, or $2.55 per diluted share.

“We’re pleased with the solid financial improvement we experienced in 2012,” said Republic Airways Holdings Chairman, President and CEO Bryan Bedford. “Our restructuring efforts in 2011 laid the foundation for Frontier to return to profitability in 2012, despite higher fuel costs. Our 50-seat RJ restructuring effort completed last October enabled us to return all of our idled aircraft to fixed-fee service with our partners and significantly reduced the financial burden associated with our Chautauqua operation.”

The Company incurred the following items in 2012:	Segment	Pre-tax amount	Period
* Loss on sale of E190s	Republic	$11.2 million	3Q-12
* Gain on sale of slots	Republic	($8.3) million	3Q-12
* Professional and legal fees related to restructuring	Republic	$4.3 million	4Q-12
* Restructuring and fleet transition expenses	Frontier	$15.5 million	4Q-12
* Frequent flyer adjustment to passenger revenue	Frontier	($9.8) million	4Q-12

The Company incurred the following items in 2011:	Segment	Pre-tax amount	Period
* Fleet transition expenses	Republic	$9.1 million	4Q-11
* Impairment of fleet asset values	Republic	$191.1 million	4Q-11
* Fleet transition expenses	Frontier	$32.3 million	4Q-11

Note: The amounts reported below for pre-tax income (loss) and net income (loss) exclude the impact of the items listed above. Please refer to the schedules at the end of this release for a tabular reconciliation of the Company’s GAAP pre-tax and after tax income (loss) to the ex-tem pre-tax and after-tax income (loss) and diluted earnings per share.

Consolidated Results (ex-items)

Excluding the items listed above, the Company reported 2012 full year net income of $59.0 million, or $1.15 per diluted share, as compared to a 2011 full year net loss of $6.2 million, or $0.13 per diluted share. For the fourth quarter of 2012 the Company reported net income of $18.5 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, as compared to the fourth quarter 2011 net income of $20.7 million, or $0.41 per diluted share.

Business Segment Presentation

The Company has adjusted its presentation of business segments in 2012 and has revised the prior year’s information to conform to the current period segment presentation. Reportable segments now consist of Republic and Frontier. The Republic segment includes all regional flying performed by sub-100-seat aircraft operating under either fixed-fee or pro-rate agreements, subleasing activities, regional charter operations as well as the cost of any unassigned regional aircraft. The Frontier segment includes passenger service revenues and expenses for operating Frontier’s Airbus fleet, as well as its charter and cargo operations.

Republic Segment Summary (ex-items)

Revenues for the year decreased 10.2% to $1,377.4 million. This was a result of a change in the mix of flying between pro-rate and fixed-fee operations and a $48.2 million reduction in fuel-related revenue under Republic’s fixed-fee agreements. Pre-tax income improved nearly 31% to $69.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $53.1 million for the prior year.

For the quarter, revenues decreased 8.9%, or $31.9 million to $327.4 million, compared to the prior year’s fourth quarter, due primarily to a decrease of $23.3 million in fuel reimbursement under Republic’s fixed-fee agreements. Effective July 1, 2012, Republic no longer records fuel expense and does not recognize fuel-related pass-through revenue under any of its fixed-fee agreements. The remainder of the decrease in revenue is due to the increase of Republic’s fixed-fee operations and reduction in pro-rate flying with Frontier.

Income before taxes was $24.1 million for the quarter, compared to pre-tax income of $23.3 million for the prior year’s fourth quarter. Fuel costs for Republic were $21.8 million for the quarter, a decrease of $38.5 million from the prior year’s fourth quarter, due to both the removal of fuel expense under Republic’s fixed-fee agreement with United and a reduction in pro-rate operations with Frontier. The price per gallon increased 9.1% from $3.19 in the fourth quarter of 2011 to $3.48 in the fourth quarter of 2012.

As of December 31, 2012, Republic operated 70 aircraft with 44-50 seats and 143 aircraft with 69-80 seats to support its fixed-fee commercial agreements. Additionally, Republic operated one aircraft with 50 seats and 12 aircraft with 99 seats under pro-rate agreements with Frontier.

Frontier Airlines Segment Summary (ex-items)

Frontier Airlines’ (2nd) (Denver) revenues for the year increased 7.0% to $1,423.7 million. On a 1.1% increase in capacity, unit revenues increased 5.8% to 11.96¢ from 11.30¢. Frontier’s pre-tax income improved $92.6 million to $29.6 million of income for 2012 compared to a pre-tax loss of $63.0 million for 2011.

For the quarter, decreased 1.1% to $334.9 million, compared to $338.5 million for the same period in 2011. Total revenue per ASM (“TRASM”) was 11.88¢, an increase of 2.9% from the same quarter in 2011, while capacity on Frontier decreased 4.0% from the prior year’s fourth quarter. Load factor for the fourth quarter was 88.9%, an increase of 0.7% from the fourth quarter of 2011.

For the quarter, Frontier posted pre-tax income of $7.3 million compared to pre-tax income of $10.1 million for the prior year’s fourth quarter. Fuel costs for Frontier were $128.2 million for the quarter, a decrease of $0.8 million from the prior year’s fourth quarter. The fuel cost per gallon, including into-plane taxes and fees, increased 6.5% to $3.42 for the fourth quarter of 2012, compared to $3.21 for last year’s fourth quarter. The fourth quarter results include an expense on fuel hedges of $0.5 million, or $0.01 per gallon, while the 2011 results include a benefit of $3.5 million, or $0.09 per gallon. Frontier has approximately 15% of its anticipated fuel consumption hedged through the second quarter of 2013.

Frontier’s operating unit cost was 7.03¢ for the quarter, a 3.4% increase compared to 6.80¢ for the same quarter in 2011.

As of December 31, 2012, Frontier operated a total of 55 Airbus aircraft versus 60 Airbus aircraft as of December 31, 2011.

Recent Business Developments

During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company completed the restructuring of its 50-seat platform, Chautauqua Airlines, Inc. (Indianapolis). As a result of the restructuring, the Company expects to realize, on average, $45.0 million of cash flow improvement per year for the next five years and has reduced its aircraft rent and depreciation expense on its 50-seat aircraft. In addition, in order to finalize the restructuring, the Company issued a $25.0 million convertible note to one of the third parties involved in the restructuring. The note bears interest at a rate of 6.0% per annum and is convertible into 2.5 million shares of Republic Airways Holdings Inc. common stock.

On January 24, 2013, the Company entered into a capacity purchase agreement (“CPA”) with American Airlines which is subject to bankruptcy court approval. American filed a motion for approval of the CPA to be heard before the court on February 14, 2013. The hearing on that motion was subsequently adjourned until February 26, 2013. On February 14, 2013, US Airways and American Airlines announced a merger agreement. On February 21, 2013, the hearing on American’s motion to approve the CPA between the Company and American was adjourned to March 12, 2013.

On February 8, 2013, the Company announced the transition of nine ERJ 145 aircraft flying on Chautauqua Airlines, Inc. from US Airways to Delta Air Lines under separate amendments. The US Airways amendment provides for termination of the current aircraft operating under the Jet Service Agreement by July 2013. The Delta amendment extends the current term for certain aircraft, as well as adds ten aircraft into service during 2013.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

The Company’s total cash balance increased $23.6 million to $394.3 million as of December 31, 2012, compared to December 31, 2011. Restricted cash decreased $4.3 million, to $147.1 million, from December 31, 2011. The Company’s unrestricted cash balance increased $27.9 million, to $247.2 million, from December 31, 2011. A condensed cash flow statement has been provided in the tables section of this release.

The Company’s debt decreased to $2.12 billion as of December 31, 2012, compared to $2.36 billion at December 31, 2011. As of December 31, 2012, almost 90% of the total 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 6.0% discount factor, the present value of these lease obligations was approximately $1.0 billion and $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Despite an expanding route map, Frontier’s Airbus fleet actually shrank from 60 aircraft on December 31, 2011 to 55 aircraft on December 31, 2012 as the airline began the phase out of the shorter Airbus A318s (now down to two aircraft). The higher-tail A318 cannot taxi under the Concourse A-Terminal connector at Denver International Airport. Now departed, A318-111 N801FR (msn 1939) arrives at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport from the Denver hub.

Republic Airways:

Frontier Airlines-Chautauqua Airlines:

Frontier Airlines (2nd):

Republic Airlines to operate 53 Embraer 175s for American Airlines

Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Indianapolis) today announced that it has reached an agreement with American Airlines to operate 53 Embraer ERJ 175 aircraft under the American Eagle brand. The Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA) will be operated by the Company’s Republic Airlines (2nd) (Indianapolis) subsidiary, with service expected to start in June of 2013. The CPA is subject to approval by the Bankruptcy Court in the American Airlines bankruptcy proceedings.

Republic also signed an agreement with Embraer to purchase 47 new aircraft and lease a previously owned Embraer ERJ 175 jet aircraft, including the first deliveries of Embraer’s enhanced fuel performance aircraft. In addition, the Company will acquire five previously owned ERJ 175s from a third party.

The aircraft, which will seat 76 passengers in a two-class cabin, are expected to be phased into operation at approximately two to three aircraft per month beginning in mid-2013 through the first quarter of 2015. Each aircraft will operate under the CPA for 12 years from its in-service date, extending the term of the agreement into 2027.

Republic’s contract with Embraer also includes an option with delivery positions exercisable beginning in 2015, for the purchase of an additional 47 aircraft.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Wearing the Republic Airways house colors, Republic Airlines’ (2nd) Embraer ERJ 170-100SE N866RW (msn 17000129) prepares to land at Washington (Reagan National).

Subsidiary Chautauqua Airlines currently operates 15 Embraer ERJ 140 regional jets as an American Connection carrier. The ERJ 140s will be retired as well as the American Connection name.

Route Map for all of Republic Airways Holdings’ contract flying by all of its subsidiaries:

Please click on the map for the full-size view.

Republic Airways-Republic Airlines (2nd):

Republic Airways Holdings reports net income of $25.8 million

Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Indianapolis) reported net income of $25.8 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2012. This compares to net income of $9.0 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for the same period last year. Operating revenues of $713.1 million, decreased 7.1%, compared to $767.9 million for last year’s third quarter, on a 5.7% decrease in consolidated capacity.

The Company reported the following key metrics for the third quarter and first nine months of 2012:


	Three months ended September 30,								Nine months ended September 30,
(Unaudited)	2012			2011			% Change		2012			2011			% Change
(in millions, except as noted)
Consolidated operating revenues	$	713.1		$	767.9		-7.1	%	$	2,138.8		$	2,166.7		-1.3	%
Consolidated ASMs		6,472			6,863		-5.7	%		19,234			19,936		-3.5	%
Consolidated operating margin		10.3	%		6.4	%	3.9 pts			7.5	%		2.8	%	4.7 pts
Consolidated net income	$	25.8		$	9.0		186.7	%	$	38.7		$	(28.3	)	236.7	%
Diluted Earnings per share (dollars)	$	0.51		$	0.18		183.3	%	$	0.79		$	(0.59	)	233.9	%

Consolidated EBITDAR	$	183.1		$	166.6		9.9	%	$	490.2		$	405.9		20.8	%
Consolidated EBITDAR margin		25.7	%		21.7	%	4.0 pts			22.9	%		18.7	%	4.2 pts

Frontier total revenue per ASM (cents)		12.33			11.70		5.4	%		11.98			11.22		6.8	%
Frontier operating income (loss)	$	31.1		$	0.1		nm		$	26.4		$	(67.9	)	nm
Frontier operating margin		8.3	%		0.0	%	8.3 pts			2.4	%		-6.8	%	9.2 pts

Business Segment Presentation

As announced in the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company has adjusted its presentation of business segments in 2012 and has revised the prior year’s information to conform to the current period segment presentation. Reportable segments now consist of Republic and Frontier. The Republic segment includes all regional flying performed by sub-100-seat aircraft operating under either fixed-fee or pro-rate agreements, subleasing activities, regional charter operations as well as the cost of any unassigned regional aircraft. The Frontier segment includes passenger service revenues and expenses for operating Frontier’s Airbus fleet, as well as its charter and cargo operations.

Republic Segment Summary

Republic revenues for the quarter decreased 14.9%, or $58.9 million, compared to the prior year’s third quarter, due primarily to a decrease of $29.3 million in fuel reimbursement under its fixed-fee agreements. Effective July 1, 2012, Republic no longer records fuel expense and does not recognize fuel-related pass-through revenue under any of its fixed-fee agreements. The remaining revenue decrease is due to lower block hour production on Republic, which decreased 3.7% from the prior year’s third quarter, due mainly to 50-seat aircraft that remained unassigned after being discontinued from pro-rate operations in Milwaukee.

Income before taxes for Republic was $12.6 million for the quarter, compared to a pre-tax income of $16.7 million for the third quarter of 2011. Pre-tax results on Republic were negatively impacted by $2.9 million, or 0.08 cents per ASM of other expenses comprised of a loss of $11.2 million associated with the sale of five E190 aircraft which was partially offset by an $8.3 million gain on the sale of slots.

Fuel costs for Republic were $25.4 million for the quarter, a decrease of $53.7 million from the prior year’s third quarter, due mainly to the removal of any fuel expense under fixed-fee agreements. The price per gallon decreased 4.2% from $3.35 to $3.21 year over year for the quarter. The Company has removed more than 20 aircraft from pro-rate operations over the last twelve months, which resulted in lower fuel consumption in the third quarter of 2012. The majority of these aircraft have been placed into fixed-fee service or subleased.

Cost per Available Seat Mile (“CASM”), including interest expense but excluding fuel, increased 7.3% to 8.74¢ for the third quarter of 2012, from 8.15¢ for the same quarter of 2011. The increase is mainly due to expenses for aircraft that were unassigned and not producing ASMs during the quarter, and reduced seat count on our 58 US Airways E-jets, which have been reconfigured with first class cabins and approximately 7% fewer seats.

As of September 30, 2012, Republic operated 63 aircraft with 44-50 seats and 131 aircraft with 69-80 seats to support its fixed-fee commercial agreements. Additionally, Republic operated one aircraft with 50 seats and 17 aircraft with 99 seats under pro-rate agreements with Frontier. Nine 37- to 76-seat aircraft remained unassigned as of September 30, 2012.

Frontier Segment Summary

Total Frontier revenues increased 1.1% to $375.7 million for the quarter, compared to $371.6 million for the same period in 2011. Capacity on Frontier, as measured by ASMs, decreased 4.0% from the prior year’s third quarter. Load factor for the third quarter was 91.6%, an increase of 0.8 points from the third quarter of 2011. Total revenue per ASM (“TRASM”) was 12.33¢ for the quarter, an increase of 5.4% from the same quarter in 2011.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2012, Frontier posted pre-tax income of $29.8 million compared to a pre-tax loss of $1.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011. The significant improvement in Frontier’s financial results was driven by solid unit revenue increases and lower unit costs as a result of the network and financial restructuring completed in 2011.

The operating unit cost for Frontier, excluding fuel, was 6.86¢ for the quarter, a 3.1% decrease compared to 7.08¢ for the same quarter in 2011. Frontier’s unit cost for the third quarter of 2012 includes approximately 0.34¢ related to expenses associated with pro-rate operations between Republic and Frontier.

Fuel costs for Frontier were $135.4 million for the quarter, a decrease of $11.3 million from the prior year’s third quarter. The fuel cost per gallon, including into-plane taxes and fees, decreased 3.2% to $3.31 for the third quarter of 2012, compared to $3.42 for last year’s third quarter. The third quarter results include a benefit on fuel hedges of $1.6 million, or $0.04 per gallon, while the 2011 results include an expense of $5.0 million, or $0.12 per gallon. Frontier currently has approximately ten percent of its anticipated Airbus fuel consumption hedged through March 31, 2013.

As of September 30, 2012, Frontier operated a total of 57 Airbus aircraft versus 59 Airbus aircraft as of September 30, 2011. One A319 aircraft was removed from operations during the quarter to prepare the aircraft for return to the lessor during the fourth quarter.

Recent Business Developments

On July 25, 2012, the Company announced the sale of five E190 aircraft to US Airways. Three of the aircraft will be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2012, and the remaining two aircraft are planned for delivery in the first quarter of 2013.

On October 25, 2012, the Company announced it had entered into a multi-year charter contract to operate five E190 aircraft on behalf of Caesars Entertainment Operating Company. The aircraft are expected to go into charter service in January 2013 and will be sourced through a reduction in E190 pro-rate operations between Republic and Frontier.

On October 26, 2012, the Company amended its contract with Delta Air Lines to operate an additional seven 50-seat E145 aircraft under its existing capacity purchase agreement for a one-year period. All seven aircraft are expected to be in service before the end of 2012. The Company does not expect to have any unassigned aircraft by the end of 2012.

On October 29, 2012, the Company finalized restructuring agreements with several key stakeholders on its 50-seat regional jet program. The agreements, combined with other business improvement initiatives, are expected to improve the operating cash flow of the Company by approximately $45 million annually over the next five years. However, the Company is still in negotiations with several other critical stakeholders which are necessary to complete the comprehensive restructuring effort for Chautauqua Airlines.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

The Company’s total cash balance increased $46.6 million to $417.3 million as of September 30, 2012, compared to December 31, 2011. Restricted cash increased $38.7 million, to $190.1 million, from December 31, 2011. The Company’s unrestricted cash balance increased $7.9 million, to $227.2 million, from December 31, 2011. A condensed cash flow statement has been provided in the tables section of this release.

The Company’s debt decreased to $2.20 billion as of September 30, 2012, compared to $2.36 billion at December 31, 2011. As of September 30, 2012, approximately 85% of the total 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 6.0% discount factor, the present value of these lease obligations was approximately $1.07 billion and $1.20 billion as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. A condensed balance sheet as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 has been provided in the tables section of this release.

Corporate Information

Republic Airways Holdings, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is an airline holding company that owns Chautauqua Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America, collectively “the airlines.” The airlines operate a combined fleet of more than 280 aircraft and offer scheduled passenger service on nearly 1,500 flights daily to over 135 cities in the U.S. as well as to the Bahamas, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico and the Turks and Caicos islands under branded operations at Frontier, and through fixed-fee flights operated under airline partner brands, including AmericanConnection, Continental Express, Delta Connection, United Express, and US Airways Express. The airlines currently employ approximately 10,000 aviation professionals.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Operated in the Republic Airways in-house brand, Embraer ERJ 170-100SU N806MD (msn 17000019) pictured departing from Philadelphia, is actually operated by subsidiary Republic Airlines (2nd).

Republic Airways-Republic Airlines (2nd):

Republic to operate five Embraer ERJ 190s for Caesars

Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Indianapolis) and Caesars Entertainment Corporation (Las Vegas) has signed a three-year contract under which Republic’s Republic Airlines (2nd) (Indianapolis) subsidiary will operate five Embraer ERJ 190 aircraft to provide more than 1,500 flights annually for Caesars’ customers throughout the United States.

Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing. Republic Airlines’ (2nd) Embraer ERJ 190-100 IGW N173HQ (msn 19000206) arrives at Los Angeles.

Republic Airways/Republic Airlines:

Republic Airways Holdings hopes to increase its flying for American Airlines

Republic Airways Holdings (Indianapolis) is betting the AMR Corporation (Dallas/Fort Worth) will want to downsize the flying currently being performed by its subsidiary American Eagle Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth). Republic hopes to expand its now small regional fleet flying for American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) (currently by Chautauqua Airlines as American Connection) according to this article by Bloomberg Businessweek.

Read the full article: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Stephen Tornblom. Although the titles say “Republic Airways” (after the holding company), this Embraer ERJ 170-100SU N821MD (msn 17000042) is actually operated by subsidiary Republic Airlines (2nd) (Indianapolis).

Republic Airways:

Republic Airways Holdings improves to a 2Q net profit of $20 million

Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Indianapolis) reported net income of $20.0 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2012. This compares to a net loss of $14.9 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, for the same period last year, on operating revenues of $728.1 million, a decrease of 1.6%, compared to $739.7 million for last year’s second quarter on a 5.1% decrease in consolidated capacity.

The Company also reported the following key metrics for the second quarter of 2012:

	Three months ended June 30,
(Unaudited)	2012			2011			% Change

Consolidated operating revenues (millions)	$	728.1		$	739.7		-1.6	%
Consolidated ASMs (millions)		6,392			6,736		-5.1	%
Consolidated operating margin		9.0	%		1.6	%	7.4 pts
Consolidated net income (loss)	$	20.0		$	(14.9	)	nm
Diluted Earnings per share	$	0.40		$	(0.31	)	nm

Consolidated EBITDAR (millions)	$	174.6		$	128.7		35.7	%
Consolidated EBITDAR margin		24.0	%		17.4	%	6.6 pts

Frontier total revenue per ASM (cents)		12.18			11.25		8.3	%
Frontier operating income (loss) (millions)	$	15.5		$	(30.8	)	nm
Frontier operating margin		4.2	%		-9.2	%	13.4 pts

Business Segment Presentation
As announced on its fourth quarter 2011 conference call, the Company has adjusted its presentation of business segments in 2012 and has revised the prior year’s information to conform to the current period segment presentation. Reportable segments now consist of Republic and Frontier. The Republic segment includes all regional flying performed by sub-100 seat aircraft operating under either fixed-fee or pro-rate agreements, subleasing activities, regional charter operations and the cost of any unassigned regional aircraft. The Frontier segment includes passenger service revenues and expenses for operating Frontier’s Airbus fleet, as well as its charter and cargo operations.

Republic Segment Summary
Republic revenues decreased 12.1%; compared to the prior year’s second quarter on an 8.9% decrease in block hours. The block hour reduction was due to a significant reduction in the level of pro-rate flying performed on behalf of Frontier Airlines (Denver). As of June 30, 2012, Republic operated 14 fewer 37- to 50-seat aircraft than a year ago. Republic also redeployed 14 of 17 E170 aircraft that had been flown on behalf of Frontier in 2011 into fixed-fee service with Delta. The remaining three E170s are being subleased offshore.

Income before taxes for Republic was $19.0 million for the quarter, compared to a pre-tax income of $10.0 million for the second quarter of 2011. The improvement in Republic’s second quarter result stems from a significant reduction in pro-rate flying and related losses that were incurred in the second quarter of 2011 on sub-99 seat aircraft operating on behalf of Frontier.

Fuel costs for Republic were $54.4 million for the quarter, a decrease of $33.9 million from the prior year’s second quarter, due mainly to the reduction in pro-rate flying. The price per gallon decreased 8.2% from $3.55 to $3.26 year over year for the quarter.

Cost per Available Seat Mile (“CASM”), including interest expense but excluding fuel, increased 3.8% to 8.48¢ for the second quarter of 2012, from 8.16¢ for the same quarter of 2011. The increase is mainly due to expenses for aircraft that were unassigned and not producing ASMs during the quarter, and reduced seat count on our 58 US Airways E-jets, which have been reconfigured with first class cabins and total fewer seats.

As of June 30, 2012, Republic operated 56 aircraft with 44-50 seats and 126 aircraft with 69-80 seats under fixed-fee commercial agreements. Additionally, Republic operated one aircraft with 50 seats and 17 aircraft with 99 seats under pro-rate agreements with Frontier. Twenty 37- to 76-seat aircraft were unassigned as of June 30, 2012. Of the 20 unassigned aircraft, four ERJs and four Q400s will be returned to service for United-Continental under CPA agreements and two E170s will be subleased offshore during the third quarter.

Frontier Segment Summary
Total revenues increased 11.3% to $370.7 million for the quarter, compared to $333.2 million for the same period in 2011. Capacity on Frontier, as measured by ASMs, increased 2.7% from the prior year’s second quarter, due to a change in the Airbus fleet mix in 2012. Load factor for the second quarter was a record 90.1%, and an increase of 1.7 points from the second quarter of 2011. Total revenue per ASM (“TRASM”) was 12.18¢, an increase of 8.3% from the same quarter in 2011.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2012, Frontier posted pre-tax income of $14.1 million compared to a pre-tax loss of $32.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2011. The significant improvement in Frontier’s financial results was driven by solid unit revenue increases and lower unit costs as a result of the network and financial restructuring completed in 2011.

The operating unit cost for Frontier operations, excluding fuel, was 7.18¢ for the quarter, a 5.7% decrease compared to 7.61¢ for the same quarter of 2011, due primarily to lower non-fuel expenses and an increase in the average aircraft seat density in the current quarter.

Under the Company’s arms-length pro-rate agreements, Republic is allocated an industry standard pro-rata portion of ticket revenue, while Frontier retains all connect revenues as well as ancillary revenues on regional flights. Frontier maintains certain rights to deploy the regional aircraft and maintains control of pricing and revenue management. Frontier also retains responsibility for all customer service expenses, including airport rents. Selling and distribution costs are shared between Republic and Frontier. Frontier’s unit cost for the second quarter of 2012 includes approximately 0.40¢ related to these expenses associated with pro-rate operations between Republic and Frontier.

Fuel costs for Frontier were $136.8 million for the quarter, a decrease of $1.7 million from the prior year’s second quarter. The fuel cost per gallon, including into-plane taxes and fees, decreased 4.0% to $3.35 for the second quarter of 2012, compared to $3.49 for last year’s second quarter. The second quarter result included expense on fuel hedges of $3.4 million, or $0.08 per gallon, for 2012 and $3.6 million, or $0.09 per gallon, for 2011. Of the $3.4 million second quarter 2012 fuel hedge expense, $1.2 million was settled during the quarter; the remaining $2.2 million was an unrealized loss as of June 30, 2012.

As of June 30, 2012, Frontier operated a total of 58 Airbus aircraft. During the second quarter of 2012, Frontier reconfigured its fleet of A320 aircraft to include six additional seats, increasing the seat density from 162 to 168 seats. Frontier added one A320 aircraft during the second quarter of 2012, increasing its A320 operational fleet to 16 aircraft. Two A319 aircraft were returned to lessors during the second quarter of 2012.

Recent Business Developments
On May 14, 2012, the Company announced that it had reached a tentative agreement with Continental Airlines, Inc. to operate 32 Q400 aircraft under the United Express brand. The agreement was finalized on July 20, 2012. The eight-year agreement includes the four Q400 aircraft Republic previously operated under pro-rate service in Denver for Frontier plus 28 additional aircraft leased from Export Development of Canada (“EDC”).

On June 26, 2012, the Company amended its capacity purchase agreement (“CPA”) between Chautauqua Airlines, its 50-seat subsidiary, and Continental Airlines. The amended terms of the CPA provide for an extension of service, and the operation of an additional four E145 aircraft through August 2014. Under the amended agreement, Chautauqua will operate a total of 12 aircraft by September 2012.

On July 25, 2012, the Company reached an agreement in principle to sell five E190 aircraft to US Airways. The sale of the aircraft is subject to final documentation. If completed, the first two aircraft would be scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2012, with the remaining three to be delivered in early 2013.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity
The Company’s total cash balance increased $39.7 million to $410.4 million as of June 30, 2012, compared to Dec. 31, 2011. Restricted cash increased $78.7 million, to $230.1 million, from Dec. 31, 2011. The Company’s unrestricted cash balance decreased $39.0 million, to $180.3 million, from Dec. 31, 2011. A condensed cash flow statement has been provided in the tables section of this release.

The Company’s debt decreased to $2.25 billion as of June 30, 2012, compared to $2.36 billion at Dec. 31, 2011. As of June 30, 2012, approximately 85% of the total 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 6.0% discount factor, the present value of these lease obligations was approximately $1.12 billion and $1.20 billion as of June 30, 2012 and Dec. 31, 2011, respectively.

Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough. Republic is now expecting to spin off Frontier Airlines in the first half of 2013. Frontier Airlines’ Airbus A320-214 N211FR (msn 4688) completes its river approach into Washington’s Reagan National Airport (DCA).

Frontier Airlines:

Republic Airways Holdings narrows its loss in the 1Q, Frontier still a drag on the holding company

Republic Airways Holdings (Indianapolis) reported a net loss of $7.1 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, compared to a net loss of $22.4 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, for the same period last year.

Republic revenues decreased 4.5%, compared to the prior year’s first quarter on a 4.7% decrease in block hours. As of March 31, 2012, Republic operated 19 fewer 37-50 seat aircraft than a year ago, resulting in lower block hour production. Republic also redeployed 14 of 17 EJet aircraft that were flown on behalf of Frontier in 2011 back into fixed-fee service with Delta.

Income before taxes for Republic was $10.9 million for the quarter, compared to a pre-tax income of $3.1 million for the first quarter of 2011. The improvement in Republic’s first quarter result stems from a significant reduction in pro-rate flying and related losses that were incurred in the first quarter of 2011 on sub-99 seat aircraft operating on behalf of Frontier.

Fuel costs for Republic were $59.8 million for the quarter, a decrease of $15.8 million from the prior year’s first quarter. The price per gallon increased 7.8% from $3.09 to $3.33 for the quarter, but the increase in pricing was more than offset by the reduction in consumption associated with the significant reduction in pro-rate operations.

Cost per Available Seat Mile (CASM), including interest expense but excluding fuel, increased 4.5% to 8.44¢ for the first quarter of 2012, from 8.08¢ for the same quarter of 2011. The increase is a result of unassigned aircraft expenses, increased employee benefit costs and higher maintenance expenses.

As of March 31, 2012, Republic operated 56 aircraft with 44-50 seats and 126 aircraft with 69-80 seats under fixed-fee commercial agreements. Additionally, Republic operated three aircraft with 50 seats and 19 aircraft with 74-99 seats under pro-rate agreements with Frontier. Seventeen 37-76 seat aircraft were unassigned as of March 31, 2012. The Company recently entered into long-term, offshore agreements to sublease three of its E170 aircraft, which are expected to be delivered to the new lessee between June and September of 2012.

The Frontier Airlines (2nd) (Denver) continues to be a drag for the holding company. However Frontier made improvements during this quarter. For the quarter ended March 31, 2012, Frontier posted a pre-tax loss of $21.6 million compared to a pre-tax loss of $39.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2011.

Frontier’s total revenues increased 19.2% to $342.4 million for the quarter, compared to $287.3 million for the same period in 2011. Capacity on Frontier, as measured by ASMs, was up 10.8% from the prior year’s first quarter, reflecting the year-over-year effect of the addition of A319 and A320 aircraft to the fleet during the first half of 2011. Load factor for the first quarter was a record 84.7%, and an increase of 4.1 points from the first quarter of 2011. Total revenue per ASM (TRASM) was 11.41¢, up 7.5% from the same quarter in 2011.

The operating unit cost for Frontier operations, excluding fuel, was 7.68¢ for the quarter, a 5.1% decrease compared to 8.09¢ for the same quarter of 2011, due primarily to an increase in average aircraft seat density and lower non-fuel expenses in the current quarter. Frontier’s unit cost for the first quarter of 2012 includes approximately 0.84¢ related to certain expenses associated with pro-rate operations between Republic and Frontier.

Fuel costs for Frontier were $131.9 million for the quarter, an increase of $26.8 million from the prior year’s first quarter. The fuel cost per gallon, including into-plane taxes and fees, increased 18.5% to $3.39 for the first quarter of 2012, compared to $2.86 for last year’s first quarter. The first quarter 2011 result included a gain on fuel hedges of $8.7 million, or $0.23 per gallon. There were no hedge positions for the first quarter of 2012.

As of March 31, 2012, Frontier operated a total of 60 Airbus aircraft. During the second-quarter of 2012, Frontier will be reconfiguring its fleet of 15 A320 aircraft (see above) to include six additional seats, increasing seat density from 162 to 168 seats. Frontier also plans to add one A320 aircraft during the second quarter of 2012, increasing its A320 operational fleet to 16 aircraft. Certain of Frontier’s aircraft operate under fixed-price, multi-year charter agreements. Revenues earned under these agreements are reported as other revenue in our consolidated statement of operations.

Republic’s total cash balance increased $25.8 million to $396.5 million as of March 31, 2012, compared to December 31, 2011. Restricted cash increased $67.6 million, to $219.0 million, from December 31, 2011. The Company’s unrestricted cash balance decreased $41.8 million, to $177.5 million, from December 31, 2011. A condensed cash flow statement has been provided in the tables section of this release.

Republic’s debt decreased to $2.31 billion as of March 31, 2012, compared to $2.36 billion at December 31, 2011. As of March 31, 2012, approximately 85% of the total debt is fixed-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 6.0% discount factor, the present value of these lease obligations was approximately $1.15 billion as of March 31, 2012. A condensed balance sheet as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 has been provided in the tables section of this release.

Republic has engaged Seabury Advisors to assist the company in a comprehensive restructuring effort for the Chautauqua Airlines subsidiary, which operates our small regional jets (see below).

Republic Airways Holdings is an airline holding company that owns Chautauqua Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America.

Top Copyright Photo: Luimer Cordero.

Frontier Slide Show: CLICK HERE

US Airways Express-Chautauqua Slide Show: CLICK HERE

Bottom Copyright Photo: Tony Storck. Chautauqua’s future is somewhat murky pending recommendations for its future from Seabury.