Republic Airways Holdings (Indianapolis) is an airline holding company that owns Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines (2nd) and Shuttle America. The group is consolidating operations in order to reduce costs.

CEO Bryan Bedford issued a short statement to the employees of the group concerning the closure of Chautauqua Airlines before the end of the year. The group intends to consolidate the Chautuaqua Embraer ERJ operations into the Shuttle America operating certificate. Chautauqua will be shut down.

Chautauqua Airlines was established on May 3, 1973, in Jamestown, Chautauqua County, New York State and began operations on August 1, 1974 using two 15-passenger Beech 99 aircraft. It was one of earliest Allegheny Commuter carriers. It became an USAir Express (later US Airways Express) carrier in 1979.

Besides the Allegheny/USAir/US Airways lineage, Chautauqua has operated under the America West Express, American Connection, Continental Express, Frontier Airlines (2nd), Midwest Connect, Trans World Express and United Express brands.

Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. SAAB 340A N125CH (msn 125) displays 1976 Allegheny Commuter livery.