Category Archives: Republic Airways

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’s three flight attendants groups approve the new contract, may sell Frontier Airlines in the third quarter

Republic Airways Inc. (Republic Airways Holdings) (Indianapolis) has announced that flight attendants for its three regional carriers have approved a new five-year labor contract. The ratification vote concluded on July 29 with flight attendants from Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines (2nd) and Shuttle America voting in favor of the agreement.

The new contract includes increases in pay, improvements in quality of life and more flexibility in scheduling. The new agreement becomes amendable on July 29, 2018.

In other news, Republic has entered into a preliminary agreement with an undisclosed potential buyer of Frontier Airlines (2nd) (Denver). Should the deal be finalized, the sale could be closed in the third quarter according to CEO Bryan Bedford.

Read the full story from the Denver Post: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: TMK Photography/AirlinersGallery.com. Set against the moon, Republic Airlines’ (2nd) Embraer ERJ 190-100 IGW N164HQ (msn 19000275) (Hummingbird) arrives at Toronto (Pearson). The 99-seat Republic ERJ 190s are expected to leave the Frontier contract in the third quarter of 2013.

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

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 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 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 reports net income of $2.6 million in 2Q

Republic Airways (Republic Airlines 2nd) Embraer ERJ 170-100SU N821MD (msn 17000042) FLL (Bruce Drum), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Indianapolis) reported operating revenues of $683.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2010, a 113.6% increase, compared to $320.0 million for the same period last year. The increase in revenues is primarily due to the acquisition of Frontier Airlines and Midwest Airlines during 2009. The Company also reported net income of $2.6 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2010, compared to $14.1 million of net income, or $0.41 per diluted share, for the same period last year.

During the second quarter of 2010, the Company’s pre-tax income of $4.8 million was negatively impacted by a total of $19.7 million of items: $18.5 million of expenses related to the integration of the branded business and accruals for the lease return costs of two A318 and five Q400 aircraft; $6.4 million in negative adjustments for fuel hedges and prior period fuel excise taxes; and a $5.2 million positive adjustment due to a reduction in lease obligations for Midwest aircraft and office facilities.

During the quarter the Company took delivery of two Airbus A320 aircraft and the final two Embraer ERJ 190 aircraft previously purchased from US Airways and removed six Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) aircraft from service. The Company also placed back into service two Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft that were previously removed to be returned to the lessors. The total operational fleet remains unchanged from March 31, 2010 at 282 aircraft as of June 30, 2010.

On April 13, 2010, the Company announced the selection of the Frontier Airlines name for its consolidated branded network.

As a reminder, Midwest and Frontier Airlines were acquired on July 31, 2009 and October 1, 2009, respectively.

On July 1, 2010, the Company announced that it will remove four 120-seat Airbus A318s and one 76-seat Embraer ERJ 170 aircraft from scheduled service for Frontier in September 2010. Three of these aircraft will be sold to third parties and two will be returned to their lessors. Beginning in January 2011, Frontier will accept the first of six new 162-seat A320 aircraft. All six aircraft have firm lease financing arranged and will be arriving during the first two quarters of 2011.

On July 21, 2010, the Company announced a letter of intent with Embraer to acquire 24 Embraer ERJ 190 or ERJ 195 aircraft with deliveries beginning in the mid 2011. The Embraer 190 would offer 99 seats, while the ERJ 195 would be configured with 116 seats if the Company chose to convert any of the orders. Both aircraft types would be configured with STRETCH seating. The aircraft would be used to replace smaller regional jets in the Company as well as create growth for Frontier into 2012.

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Republic Airlines’ (2nd) Embraer ERJ 170-100SU N821MD (msn 17000042) is painted in the house colors of its parent Republic Airways Holdings. The regional jet is pictured departing from runway 27R at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood.

Republic Airways Holdings loses $36.5 million in the first quarter

Frontier Airlines (2nd) Airbus A318-111 N809FR (msn 3092) ATL (Norbert G. Raith), originally uploaded by Airliners Gallery.

Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Indianapolis) reported operating revenues of $608.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, an 87.1% increase, compared to $325.3 million for the same period last year. The increase in revenues is due to the acquisition of our branded carriers during 2009. The Company also reported a net loss of $36.5 million, or $1.06 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, compared to $2.2 million of net income, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the same period last year.

During the first quarter of 2010, the Company’s pre-tax loss of $58.5 million was negatively impacted by an $11.5 million, non-cash impairment to write off the Midwest Airlines trademark and reduce the carrying value of other assets. The Company also recorded a total of $13.1 million of expenses related to the integration of the branded business and the return of Bombardier Q400 and CRJ aircraft. Also, the severe winter storms in the first quarter of 2010 had an estimated $7.5 million negative impact on pre-tax results.

Excluding all non-recurring items and the impact of the storms, the Company’s pre-tax loss was $26.4 million.

Copyright Photo: Norbert G. Raith. A superb view of subsidiary Frontier Airlines’ Airbus A318-111 N809FR (msn 3092) arriving at Atlanta.